Scrambling to get these out there before kickoff tomorrow.
Remember, the top 2 teams from each group, plus the next 4, make the knockout rounds.
It’s hard for the key match to not just always be the clash between the team I see finishing 2nd and the team I see finishing 3rd, but it seemed worthwhile to highlight some individual games.
#GROUP A
France, Nigeria, Norway, South Korea.
France should win the group, but 2nd place could be quite a fight. Nigeria are a bit enigmatic, but I think 2nd place comes down to the battle between them and Norway.
Qualifying: France, Norway, Nigeria
Key Match: Norway v Nigeria on 6/8. The winner will have the inside track on 2nd position, but I believe the loser still has a good chance to qualify.
#GROUP B
China, Germany, South Africa, Spain.
Anyone but Germany would be a shock; the question is whether Spain are actually as good as I think they are.
Qualifying: Germany, Spain
Key Match: Spain v South Africa on 6/8. If Spain stumbles, the group opens up dramatically.
#GROUP C
Australia, Brazil, Italy, Jamaica
This is a rough group to figure out. Australia is clearly the class of the four, but Italy and Brazil are both teams full of talent located in countries where support for the women’s game is sketchy at best. That situation can lead to poor preparation, poor coaching, and poor performances. Or it can lead to a team bonding together and taking off. And then there’s narrative darling Jamaica.
Qualifying: Australia, Brazil, Jamaica
Key Match: Brazil v Jamaica on 6/9. I believe this game will provide the most information on how the group will shake out.
#GROUP D
Argentina, England, Japan, Scotland.
The question here is if Scotland can do enough to make the knockout round. I think they will.
Qualifying: England, Japan, Scotland
Key Match: Japan v Scotland on 6/14. Scotland should lose to England and beat Argentina: a win against Japan probably sees them through to the next round.
#GROUP E
Cameroon, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand.
This is the strongest group in my opinion, and should produce the best 3rd place team.
Qualifying: Netherlands, Canada, Cameroon
Key Match: Cameroon v New Zealand on 6/20. The final game of the group should decide 3rd place.
#GROUP F
Chile, Sweden, Thailand, USA.
Not much to say here: the USA is unlikely to be tested until the next round–against Spain if I’m correct above–at the earliest (I know, Sweden is good, but if they get a point against the USA, it will be a surprise).
Qualifying: USA, Sweden.
Key Match: Chile v Sweden on 6/11. If Chile has a shot at qualifying, they need to win their opening game.