The last of the groups at the FIFA Women’s World Cup has the potential to be one of the most interesting ones, although the group leaders might not face much of a challenge. Euro finalists Germany should easily win the group but it is all to play for behind them.
Here is all you need to know about the four teams in Group H.
Current FIFA Ranking: #2
World Cup History: 8 previous appearances; best result: Champions (2003, 2007)
Major International Trophies: 2 FIFA World Cups (2003, 2007), 8 Euros (1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013), 1 Olympic Gold (2016)
Germany are one of the most successful and consistent teams in the World Cup. They have reached the quarterfinals in each of the eight editions of the tournament and advanced further on five of those occasions.
A quarterfinal exit meant that Germany’s last World Cup was slightly disappointing, especially on the back of a similar result in Euro 2017. Consequently, hopes were not too high going into Euro 2022, but they enjoyed a great campaign that only ended in extra time of the final.
Confidence was restored in head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was restored in that tournament—both in her tactical decision-making and motivational abilities. She mostly set her side up in a 4-3-3 formation, letting the technically excellent midfielders and dangerous forwards work their magic in tandem with each other.
Fluidity was one of the hallmarks of Germany’s Euro 2022 campaign, and no one embodies it better than Alexandra Popp. The versatile forward is capable of leading her side’s attack down the middle or from the left as well as being able to play slightly behind a striker, as she often did for Wolfsburg last season.
With over 60 goals for her national team, Popp is one of the most prolific forwards around. She has a knack of turning up in big games too, having scored in each of the matches she featured in at the last Euros as well as the latest UEFA
Alexandra Popp could not stop scoring at the last Euros. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images for DFB)
As is always the case with them, Germany are in it to win it. They have gone without a World Cup title for over a decade and a half now, so they will be keen to change that now.
Getting out of the group should not be a problem, but a tough Round of 16 tie is in the offing against Brazil or France potentially. A defeat there would make this Germany’s worst-ever World Cup campaign.
Current FIFA Ranking: #72
World Cup History: No previous appearances
Major International Trophies: N/A
Debutantes Morocco are the second-lowest ranked nation at this World Cup but they definitely are on the up. Qualification for this tournament has capped off a successful women’s soccer development program in the country which was launched in 2020.
Their participation will surely be inspirational to many around the world.
The Atlas Lionesses had a very successful AFCON campaign at home last year, breaking attendance records en route to the final where they lost out to South Africa. Despite that defeat, the tournament was a resounding success as it firmly placed them on the map in the world of women’s football.
The recruitment of the very experienced and successful French head coach Reynald Pedros will surely go down as a key turning point in the history of the Moroccan national team. The two-time French league winner almost delivered silverware in his first major trophy in charge of the team, but either way, the primary target of World Cup qualification was achieved.
Mostly using a variant of the 4-4-2 formation or sometimes a 4-3-3, Morocco will have to show great defensive prowess if they are to succeed at this World Cup.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak is arguably the most popular and talented player in this Moroccan squad. Football seems to run through her blood, as her father also represented the Atlas Lions back in his day.
Her attacking talents will be central to her side’s chances of scoring their first goal at the World Cup and perhaps doing a little bit more than that.
Morocco are probably the least fancied side in this group but they cannot be written off. If they escape their opening match against Germany relatively unscathed, they could pose some problems to the two contenders.
Current FIFA Ranking: #25
World Cup History: 2 previous appearances; best result: Round of 16 (2015)
Major International Trophies: N/A
Behind the prolific Brazil, Colombia have established themselves as the second-best side in South America in this century. The three-time Copa América finalists will be keen to make a mark at this World Cup.
In fact, they should be expected to make a mark quite literally. Their recent friendly against Ireland was abandoned because it got “too physical,” so that should give an idea of how they might look to play. After their tooth and nail defending, expect them to attack quickly when they win the ball back regardless of the formation they use.
Colombia have gone on to play a number of friendlies after their narrow defeat in the Copa América final against Brazil. Wins over fellow World Cup participants Costa Rica, Zambia and Panama have to be considered very encouraging, while relatively narrow defeats against France and Italy were decent results too.
Just 18 years old, Linda Caicedo is already a star in Colombia. After breaking through in her local league aged just 14, she grew to become the best player in the continental Copa Libertadores in 2021. When she became eligible to move away from her country earlier this year, she was quickly snapped up by Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The electric dribbler Linda Caicedo in action. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The young forward has already caught the eye for Las Blances in just a few appearances, racking up six league goal involvements in well under half a season. Her country will hope to see more of the same in Australia.
Colombia’s aim will be to at least match their best World Cup result this time but that will not be easy. South Korea will give them a real run for their money in the battle for second place, while Morocco cannot be ignored either. A tough group awaits them, but they will be eager to test themselves against the best sides in the world.
Current FIFA Ranking: #17
World Cup History: 3 previous appearances; best result: Round of 16 (2015)
Major International Trophies: N/A
South Korea are the second-highest ranked team in this group, so they should—in theory—be favorites to finish second.
The appointment of Colin Bell after the last World Cup has worked out brilliantly for South Korea. The Englishman has integrated well into a foreign atmosphere, while the team has understood his expectations and style of play very well by now.
Bell’s main focus is on an intense pressing approach without the ball and rapid attacks after winning it back. They have shown themselves to be capable of holding their own against strong opposition, as they did in getting past Australia and Japan en route to the last Asian Cup final.
South Korea staged a great upset by beating Australia in the last Asian Cup. (Photo by Thananuwat ... [+]
The Taegeuk Ladies have also shown that they can blow away lower-ranked teams in subsequent friendlies against the likes of Vietnam and Zambia, so they have a great shot at getting out of this group.
Cho So-hyun is the embodiment of the style of play that Bell wants to implement. The 35-year-old midfielder always puts in tireless shifts in the middle of the park, so her work will be pivotal to her side’s offense and defense.
She spent the 2022/23 season playing for Tottenham Hotspur but left at the end of it, so an added incentive to impress might be the fact that clubs will be tracking her performances at the World Cup.
Like Colombia, South Korea’s aim will be to reach the knockouts, so their opening fixture against the South Americans could be pivotal. Given their style of play, the Taegeuk Ladies have the potential to beat anyone on their day if they make it to the Round of 16.