The Group B of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (WWC) quickly made a claim to be the ‘group of death’ soon after the draw.
With two credible title challengers in the form of Australia and Canada, along with ever-present Nigeria and the underdog Ireland, one can expect a pitched battle in Group B for the top-two spots.
The group also has some of the best talents in the tournament in the form of Australia’s Sam Kerr, Canada’s Christine Sinclair and Jessie Fleming and Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala.
Here is a look at all four teams in Group B for the WWC.
Australia
A surprise 2-0 win over title-favourite England -- breaking a 30-game win streak -- earlier this year has put the spotlight on co-host Australia coming into the WWC.
After missing out on the first WWC, the Matildas have been a regular feature in the tournament, with three quarterfinal finishes (2007, 2011, 2015) beings its best performances.
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Australia will pin its hopes on all-time top goalscorer and captain Sam Kerr, who will be looking to establish herself as one of the best in the business. The fleet-footed forward, who found the net 29 times for Chelsea this season, narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot in the 2019 edition.
In addition to the 29-year-old Kerr, manager Tony Gustavsson has the option of calling upon several stars who ply their trade in Europe, such as Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord and the Manchester City trio of Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and Alanna Kennedy.
Australia
Australia squad
Ireland
After finding its way past Scotland in the UEFA round two playoffs, Ireland finds itself in the WWC for the first time, which will also be its first major tournament.
The Girls in Green, guided by Dutch coach Vera Pauw, will have its task cut in a tough group.
Ireland’s point of strength will be its midfield, which will be anchored by Arsenal’s Katie McCabe and NWSL star Denise O’Sullivan.
The Irish side though has had a drab 2023, with no goals scored in three international friendly defeats, with two of them coming against the USA.
Ireland
Ireland squad
Canada
Canada doesn’t have to look too far back for motivation, going into the WWC, having won the 2020 Olympics Gold.
Despite the success it has enjoyed in the Olympics – which also includes bronze medals in 2016 and 2012 – Canada has entered the WWC semifinal only once (2003).
Canada’s Christine Sinclair (12) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Victoria Swift compete for the ball during a CONCACAF women’s championship game. | Photo Credit: Fernando Llano
Ranked seventh in the world, the North American side will look to make amends in this edition, with the team boasting some proven talents, including 40-year-old Christine Sinclair, who will be heading into her sixth WWC, the most by anyone.
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Bev Priestman’s side though will miss the services of Janine Beckie, who was ruled out due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Canada
Canada squad
Nigeria
Having appeared in every WWC, Nigeria comes to the 2023 edition with a wealth of experience. Despite its regularity in the event, Nigeria hasn’t had great success in the showpiece tournament, with its best finish being the quarterfinal entry in 1999.
Coached by Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons are on the rise, with a string of positive results, including a 3-0 win over co-host New Zealand.
Nigeria, which has won 11 of the 14 African Women’s Cup of Nations, will rely on the goal-scoring prowess of Asisat Oshoala, who recently led Barcelona to the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Oshoala, regarded by many as one of the greatest African footballers, had become the first women footballer from her continent to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
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