2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Group of Death, we welcome thee old friend

by Jeff Lageson

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup is only six months away. The groups are now drawn and the 24 teams now know where, when, and who they are playing.  Group play match predictions can now be played out in order to fill in the bracket and set the stage for who could be in the final.

Group A  – Canada, China PR, New Zealand, Netherlands

Canada is a clear and heavy favorite in Group A.  This is not the Chinese team of 96-03.  New Zealand and Netherlands should fight with China for 2nd.  Goal differential will matter.

Group B – Germany, Cote d’Ivoire, Norway, Thailand

The Germans have to be pleased.  Norway can give them a game, but the rest of the group will be about Germany pacing its roster for the Round of 16.

Group C  – Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador

The defending champs should roll through this group.  There are 4 3rd place teams that advance and that does not seem likely from Group C.

Group D  – United States, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria

The USA will get a couple good sides to push them in the early games, but the match in Vancouver versus Nigeria should be a big USA party.  The big question for Group D is what order Australia and Sweden will advance.  The only other question is will one of these teams sneak points from the USA.

Group E – Brazil Korea, Republic, Spain, Costa Rica

Brazil can set itself up for one more run at a final.  This group is running out of time.

Group F – France, England ,Colombia, Mexico

England might be the surprise team among the non-seeded nations. Mexico on a good day can play with any one.

With an expansion to 24 teams there is a bit of diluting the field as far as group play potentially goes and sure enough there is no true Group of Death as a result.  The USA in Group D faces Australia and Sweden, along with Nigeria, which might be the toughest group.  Group F is pretty balanced with France as the seed and both England and Mexico in there to be the next most difficult group.