The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is going to be nothing like before. For the first time in history, the tournament will have 32 nations instead of 24 which also increases match count to 64 over a month. More action on the pitch adds to the craze building around the event. Not only that, but the format change also allows more fascinating clashes to be played on the stage.
The results of these fixtures will be instrumental to each side’s standings coming at the end of the group stages. All of them are a battle for the top place in their respective groups. For some, it will be renewing old rivalries in the competition. The matches are also in the second or third rounds of the group stages. When the two high-profile nations meet, the stars of both sides drive themselves to bring the best on the pitch. These games almost require individual magic every time to decide the outcome and who celebrates at the end.
Here are the games you need to watch out for in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023:
Norway vs Switzerland
Group: A
Date: Tuesday, 25 July 2023
Venue: Waikato Stadium
Group A looks more straightforward than most other groups with co-hosts New Zealand and debutants Philippines, despite being exciting, will struggle to qualify for the knockouts. It leaves the door for the two star-laden sides, Norway and Switzerland to fight for the onus of the group. The Grasshoppers might edge their counterpart with the world-beaters in the team especially the attack, supposedly having the best trio of the tournament in Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Hansen and Guro Reiten. However, their defence is a huge cause for concern as their 8-0 humiliation in the hands of Euro winners England last summer still carries a scare. Switzerland are facing issues at the other end, struggling with goals even having forwards like Ramona Bachmann and the nation’s top-scorer Ana Maria Crnogorcevic. The midfield is the area that is probably equal with Norway’s Frida Maanum and captain Lia Walti, who recovered from a late-season injury, of Switzerland pulling the strings for their respective sides. The group winner has a chance to meet Spain or Japan from Group C so it makes this a crucial battle
USA vs Netherlands
Group: E
Date: Thursday, 27 July 2023
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
In 2019, the United States clinched their fourth Women’s World Cup title with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands. Four years later, they meet again in the group stages for a pulsating encounter. The record holders USA will be eager to make a one-sided affair again while it is obvious the Dutch will be seeking revenge. Vlatko Andonovski’s side did show some patchy form against higher-ranked nations in the pre-World Cup friendlies and also had an underwhelming Olympics. Some of the stars of the past winning squad are also injured but those cannot brush aside the immense talent and quality the side still possess to lift the trophy again. On the other hand, the Dutch are getting into the grove under new boss Andries Jonker after a disappointing campaign at the Euros last summer. They will also miss Viviane Midema through an ACL injury although other forwards in the squad are in scoring form. Both are expected to win their first match in the group to set this top-place battle with the winners facing Italy in the last 16 while the runners-up face a daunting task against Sweden.
England vs Denmark
Group: D
Date: Friday, 28 July 2023
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
Another interesting clash in the tournament will see Euro champions England go head-to-head against fellow European Denmark, returning to the Women’s World Cup after 2007. The Lionesses are one of the favourites but are crippled with injuries to key contributors to that triumph. Still, Sarina Wiegman’s side are feared for the way they swept past opponents to clinch the silverware last summer. They have good depth and players capable to step into the vacancy left by those missing the World Cup, producing similar quality. Questions remain at the centre-back position and options in attack as England aim for a consistent eleven at the tournament. Denmark will be their first major test, who will be putting their money on talisman Pernille Harder to step up on the major stage. Before switching to Bayern Munich, the 30-year-old had a brilliant end to her Chelsea career post-injury and will be replicating that in her first Women’s World Cup. She will be backed by a youthful squad hoping to make a major impact. This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides. Any of them could go on and face Olympic gold medalists Canada or co-hosts Australia for a spicy last-16 battle.
South Korea vs Germany
Group: H
Date: Saturday, 29 July 2023
Venue: Brisbane Football Stadium
Both Germany and South Korea will have won their opening match before heading into this Group H deciding clash. Germany are Euro 2022 finalists but could have gone one step further if they had their flamboyant goal-scorer Alexandra Popp available. She is one of the reasons Die Nationelf are willing to have a shot at the title. The squad is filled with fantastic players and carries the potential of beating anyone at any given day. But as the 3-2 friendly loss to Zambia showed they can be vulnerable if they don’t jell together. The former winners will at least try to win their group with South Korea being their main rivals for that.
Japan vs Spain
Group: C
Date: Monday, 31 July 2023
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Japan have felt to match their past achievements in the 2019 edition but could do now if they can get past an unpredictable Spanish team dealing with internal chaos. Some of the revolting players against their coach Jorge Vilda and the federation made themselves available for the 2023 Women’s World Cup while the others opted to sit out. It is not known whether the dressing room will be paired or remain fractured with the team once again falling under the guidance of the manager. However, it makes Spain stronger again on paper with Balon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Women’s Champions League best player Aitana Bonmarti in the mix. Japan will have to match the quality after opting to leave out 2011 winner Mana Iwabuchi but have talents like Maika Hamano who at the tender age of 18 could produce the spark for the side on the big stage. La Roja’s style of play is eye-catching with Nadeshiko's stance will be to break it at all costs. An exciting watch nevertheless.
France vs Brazil
Group: F
Date: Saturday, 29 July 2023
Venue: Brisbane Football Stadium
The same fixture was fought in the last 16 stages four years ago when then-hosts France knocked out Brazil with an extra-time winner from Amandine Henry. The midfielder was included in the final roster for this edition but sadly had to withdraw with a calf injury in training. There has been other injury problem plaguing the team like star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto and defender Griedge Mbock. With record goal-scorer Eugenie Le Sommer back and Kadidatou Diani in fine form, France still possess a significant threat now that Hervie Renard has brought in fresh air moving away from the negative previous regime. For Brazil, it will be an act of redemption and awarding the top-goal scorer in Women’s World Cup history, Marta in her sixth and last tournament. The Selecao have never touched the highs of third place finish in 1999 or runners-up in 2007 but will like to replicate that with an abundance of talent. Brazil have never won in this meeting so it put far more pressure on them to deliver otherwise lose the top spot in the group.
Australia vs Canada
Group: B
Date: Monday, 31 July 2023
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
The most exciting clash or match of the group stages could be between tournament co-hosts Australia and Olympic gold medalists Canada to fight for supremacy in Group B. The Matildas have the expectation of doing well in the tournament, winning the cup also on many one’s lips, with a large home support led by the record goal-scorer Sam Kerr. Canada are also pursuing the same ambition having got past nations like Brazil, USA and Sweden to clinch the Gold at the 2020 Olympics played in 2021. It will truly be a clash of the Titans as two tournament favourites lock horns early. This will also be a classic case of a potent attack and a solid defence. Australia’s spectacular front three has led the team to a spectacular winning run while Canada’s sturdy work has gotten them rewards in the past. They are also in the mood to make the possible last World Cup for the top-scorer of all-time men or women, Christine Sinclair an unforgettable one. Also, both will like to dodge the prospect of facing Euro winners England in the last 16. So, the fight for the top place will be intense.
