FIFA Women’s World Cup Group F Preview: France tipped to succeed
Scott Stewart previews Group F of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which features France, England, Mexico and Colombia
Saturday marked the start of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and though Group A got things underway with wins from both the Netherlands and the hosts Canada, Group F does not see action until Wednesday afternoon. Nevertheless, with two teams in the top seven in terms of FIFA rankings the group will hold some tight contests. Scott Stewart breaks down what to watch for and a potential winner from Group F.
France expected to top
Ranked third in the official FIFA Women’s Rankings, the French national team is arguably Germany’s biggest threat at the trophy aside from the United States – and it’s clear why.
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In the last three years combined, Les Bleus have gone 24-3-4 in all competitions and have some of the best in the world in their respective positions in attacking midfielder Louisa Nécib, defensive midfielder Amandine Henry, and the attacking trio of Eugénie Le Sommer, Marie-Laure Delie, and Gaëtane Thiney who have scored a total of 157 goals in 313 total caps.
Lost in the goalscoring ability of these women is the experience the French have, and almost all of the experts agree that they will be a candidate for the semi-finals if not the World Cup Final.
Tip England to progress
Though they are not a world power in women’s football like the team above, England are strong enough that they should be able to get out of a group that really only has two prominent sides.
The Three Lionesses are solid overall, but lack the goalscoring ability of the Germany’s and France’s of the world. Midfielder Fara Williams sits third all-time on the English goalscoring list at 37 in over 130 caps and is just five goals ahead of Chelsea Ladies’ star Eniola Aluko, who has scored 32 goals in just 90 caps. Toni Duggan of Manchester City is the most likely to assist Aluko up top in the tournament and will also be a viable option, though her club statistics are far better than her international.
England are definitely one of the dark horses of the tournament, but while they have a shot to make it to the semi-finals it would be easier to pick Canada, Japan, or Sweden ahead with Germany and the United States. However, this isn’t to say those across the pond do not have the opportunity to surprise a few, because they very well could. Regardless of the future, expect England to ease past the group. Should they struggle though, it could be a sign that they just aren’t built to continue.
Mexico and Colombia are outsiders
These two face each other in the opening round of Group F and, should they draw, would effectively kill the other’s chances of advancing to the Round of 16. Colombia has Yoreli Rincón, a young midfielder who has a bright future ahead of her after backing out of playing in the United States at Indiana University opting instead for a professional career abroad. Though the Colombians have made it this far, they may end up exiting with only a point to their name.
Mexico has a few playmakers in forward Renae Cuéllar, Mónica Ocampo, Charlyn Corral, and midfielder Veronica Perez, but lack the firepower of a top side and overall the ability to get past the group stage. Though they are ranked in the top 25, Mexico does not have the quality of their North American counterparts the United States and Canada and will likely have their run ended after three games.
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Both of these teams have a very slim shot of making it to the knockout round, though Mexico has the greater of the two outside shots. Regardless, expect the Central and South American sides to fall under France and England after the group stage concludes.
Nécib and Le Sommer to fight for the Golden Ball
Since the tournament’s inception in 1991, a French player has yet to claim a top three spot in the “player of the tournament” award known as the Golden Ball. However, if predictions are anything to go by, it is plausible that one of Louisa Nécib or Eugénie Le Sommer will come away as the winner if Le Sommer doesn’t win the Golden Boot (top scorer) as well.
Both of these players are essential to how Les Bleus operate, Nécib in midfielder and Le Sommer up front, and are set to have a massive impact on the favorites for a place in the semi-final.
Many are skeptical in putting France ahead of either Germany or the United States for a place in the World Cup Final, but with France’s quick, elegant playing style most adaptable to turf, it would not be a shock to see them push their way through to the top with Nécib and Le Sommer leading the charge.
Semi-finalists (at least) in the making…
It is no secret that the French national team is tipped to succeed this tournament, but is it possible for another team (England) to reach that mark?
Never say never.
While England are definitely talented, many will question whether or not they have the ability to function as a unit as efficiently as other major players. If they can reach the round of 16 with a favorable draw and not have to face any of Germany, USA, France, or Canada, they may be able to live up to the “dark horse” tag that has been attributed to them before they even kicked a ball.
This is unlikely no question, but not out of the question completely, and if the likes of Duggan, Williams, and Aluko can get firing then they have a chance.
As Group F kicks off tomorrow, France is the favorite but England aren’t far behind. Keep an eye on the two advancing from this group as two potential candidates to reach a semifinal.