Women Crush Wednesday #WCW – Group F
We have arrived to Group F, our final group of the 2019 Women’s World Cup . Group F includes Sweden, the USA, Chile and Thailand. The top two teams will automatically move on to the round of 16 and possibly the third-place team as well (if they are ranked as one of the best four). Any questionable calls will be settled by VAR (the first time it will be used).
Group F is similar to Group D and Group E in that I believe the winner of the group will be decided on matchday 3 of the group stages at Stade Océane. Matchday 3 pits Sweden against the USA. Both are veterans of the tournament and have both competed in every addition thus far. Statistically the USA holds the lead against Sweden with a 3-1-1 record in World Cup Competition. But Sweden did get one of the USA in the 2016 Olympics beating the USA in penalty kicks.
Sweden
Sweden are coming into the tournament ranked #9 but don’t let them not being in the top 5 fool you. Sweden is coming to win. They have never won a World Cup title but plan to change that in 2019. With the retirement of one of the greatest female players to date Lotta Schelin, Sweden needed a player to step up. Stena Blackstenius took it upon herself to be that player. She showed very well in the qualifying round and will wear the jersey proud.
The USA
The USA is synonymous with women’s soccer. They have more titles that any other team. They are coming into the tournament as number 1 and hope to leave the same way. The team is filled with stars and veterans, like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, of the winning 2015 World Cup team. The semi and finals of the tournament were reportedly sold out in 31 minutes and supposedly to mostly American fans who expect to see their team in the finals. There is not much to say about the team that hasn’t been said already. Sit back, relax and see if any team in the tournament can beat the USA.
Thailand
While Thailand will be making only their second appearance, they will be a formidable adversary. In the AFC championship Australia barely made the finals, beating Thailand in the semi’s in penalties. Sungngoen will use her speed and experience to lead her teams attack and get them out of the group matches. Something they were not able to do in Canada 2015.
Chile
Chile will be making their World Cup debut in France. But it won’t be Christiane Endler, their star player and captain’s first time in the country as she was on the PSG team last season. Endler who played collegiately in the US will be ready to take on the reigning champs and hopefully keep a clean sheet.
Group E
Sweden
Head Coach: Peter Gerhardsson
Who to Watch: Stena Blackstenius
Fun Fact: Seger has been the captain of Sweden for a decade.
Ranking: 9
The USA
Head Coach: Jill Ellis
Who to Watch: Julie Ertz
Fun Fact: The women are currently in a lawsuit against the Federation for gender discrimination.
Ranking: 1
Thailand
Head Coach: Neungruethai Sathongwien
Who to Watch: Kanjana Sungngoen
Fun Fact: The team is nicknamed the Chaba Kaew, which is a pink elephant in an animated film.
Ranking: 34
Chile
Head Coach: Jose Letelier
Who to Watch: Christiane Endler
Fun Fact: Endler got her first cap with La Roja at 15.
Ranking: 39
Do you have any questions about the tournament? Women’s football? Or anything else related to the sport? Please feel free to contact me directly or leave an inquiry in the comments below.
