South Korea
After qualifying for the World Cup once in its history, South Korea finally made it to the tournament in Canada in 2015 and exceeded expectations, finishing second in a group which included Brazil and Spain.
This time, the road will be a little tougher, as South Korea will be in the same group as two European powers Norway and the host nation France as well as Nigeria. In fact, South Korea will face France in the first game of the tournament and end group play with Norway. While a top-two finish in the group may be tougher than the last time, don’t look for South Korea to be mere pushovers.
Players to watch
The player that makes things got for South Korea is Ji So Yun. The attacking midfielder has been a stalwart for South Korea (54 goals) and English side Chelsea (28 goals). South Korea will also rely on Jung Seol-bin for support on offense and midfielder Cho So-Hyun brings the toughness on the defensive side.
Spain
Spain
Spain made its Women’s World Cup debut in Canada in 2015, and while many expected them to be a darkhorse in the tournament, Spain disappointed, exiting in the group stage after a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica was followed up with losses to Brazil and South Korea.
This year in France, the road appears to be a little easier for Spain. While being put in the same group as Germany alone makes it tough, the rest of the group appears to be rather easier with China and South Africa. Still don’t look for Spain to be taking anything for granted after its poor showing in Canada.
Players to watch
While Vero Boquete is not on the squad, Spain still has some very talented players on its squad. Its leading scorer currently on the team is forward Jennifer Hermoso (28 goals). Spain’s scoring though looks like it will come from the midfield, which features Victoria Losada (13 goals), Alexia Putellas (13 goals) and Amanda Sampedro (11 goals). Spain also has one player currently playing in the NWSL, Celia Jimenez, right back for Reign FC.
FC Barcelona looks to be well represented on the squad, as 10 players, including Losada and Putellas, are from the team that finished second in Spain’s Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino and Champions League. The team with the next most players after Barcelona; Athletico Madrid, with five.
Women's World Cup
International Competitions
