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As Canada are about to kick off the FIFA Women’s World Cup in a few hours time, we look to the teams in Group F; Which players could shine and help their nation to progress through to the Knockout stages and beyond.
FRANCE – 8/1
The French cruised to Canada 2015 by winning all Ten in the European Qualifying Group Seven encounters, scoring 54 goals and only conceding three. The competitions expansion from 16 to 24 teams may have help France’s cause but there’s no doubt Les Bleues have a growing level of experience and talent within their camp.
Upfront, France have a strike-force that seems almost telepathic, with Gaetane Thiney and Louisa Necib recording 13 goals and 13 assists from the qualifiers respectively. Opposing teams will do well to not only stop the French attacks but at the same time to get passed the defensive pairing of Laura Georges and captain Wendie Renard. With such talents as Griedge Mbock-Bathy and Claire Lavogez added to an already impressive team, Les Bleues are no longer regarded as a group of players capable of upsetting the favourites, they now are real contenders from the world crown. This was evident as they beat two time World Champions Germany 2-0 in Offenbach for the very first time in October 2014.
Philippe Bergeroo, 61, a former international goalkeeper and Euro 1984 winner, took over from Bruno Bini as coach of the French women’s national side for the first time in September 2013. He was part of Aime Jacquets’ 1998 World Cup winning backroom staff and has also coached Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes’ men’s Under-17 sides.
ONE TO WATCH – LOUISA NECIB
The attacking midfielder Necib, 28, is a gifted play-maker who possesses superb technique and is known for her elegance in possession and sublime passing skills which lead French media to name her as “the female Zidane”
FIXTURES
09 JUNE 18:00 ENGLAND Moncton Stadium, Moncton
13 JUNE 18:00 COLOMBIA Moncton Stadium, Moncton
17 JUNE 21:00 MEXICO Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa
