Women's World Cup 2019: Five players to watch out for

The Women's World Cup kicks off on June 7. Here are five players you must keep an eye out for.

Published : Jun 05, 2019 22:09 IST

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - MAY 22: The FIFA ttrophy for the FIFA WWC is displayed durimg the train promoting activities on the train between Montpellier and Marseille during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 National Trophy Tour on May 22, 2019 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Johannes Simon - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images )
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - MAY 22: The FIFA ttrophy for the FIFA WWC is displayed durimg the train promoting activities on the train between Montpellier and Marseille during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 National Trophy Tour on May 22, 2019 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Johannes Simon - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images )
lightbox-info

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - MAY 22: The FIFA ttrophy for the FIFA WWC is displayed durimg the train promoting activities on the train between Montpellier and Marseille during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 National Trophy Tour on May 22, 2019 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Johannes Simon - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images )

The Women's World Cup 2019 will begin on June 7 in Paris, France. It will be the eighth edition of the Women's World Cup.

United States is the most successful team with three trophies — 1991, 1999 and 2015 — to its name. Germany is a two-time winner with success in 2003 and 2007. Norway and Japan have won once each, in 1995 and 2011, respectively.

The football extravaganza will last for a month, with the final scheduled for July 7. As 24 teams contest for the biggest honour, we give you a list of players to watch out for.

1) Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany)

Dzsenifer-Marozsan
REGENSBURG, GERMANY - MAY 30: Dzsenifer Marozsan of Germany controls the ball during the international friendly match between Germany Women and Chile Women at Continental Arena on May 30, 2019 in Regensburg, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
 

Another of the many Lyon stars ready to shine in France, Marozsan will be crucial to Germany's chances of beating the United States and lifting its third World Cup.

READ | Your guide to FIFA Women's World Cup 2019

A feared playmaker, who was also voted player of the year in France ahead of her Lyon teammates Ada Hegerberg and Eugénie Le Sommer the last three seasons, the 27-year-old is coming into her prime after more than a decade in the club game.

Marozsan suffered a pulmonary embolism - a blocked blood vessel in her lung - last summer but capped her comeback by scoring the opener in Lyon's 4-1 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League final.

2) Sam Kerr (Australia)

Sam-Kerr
Sam Kerr of Australia during the women's international friendly match between The Netherlands and Australia at Philips stadium on June 01, 2019 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)

The all-time leading goalscorer in both the NWSL and the W-League, Sam Kerr has been a part of the Australian national team since the age of 15. Now 25, Kerr has won four domestic golden boots.

Kerr comes into the World Cup on the back of a good season for Chicago Red Stars, scoring 18 goals in 22 appearances.

One of the top players in the women's game, Kerr is an important part of the Matildas and will be expected to prove her attacking prowess.

 

3) Wendie Renard (France)

Wendie-Richard
CRETEIL, FRANCE - MAY 31: Wendie Renard #3 of France passes the ball during the women friendly match between France and China on May 31, 2019 in Creteil, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

Captain for her club and country, Wendie Renard forms a formidable part of France's defence. A towering presence on the field, Renard brings experience worth 108 international caps into the team.

She is joined by Griedge Mbock in central defence at both France and Lyon - which would be fruitful for Les Bleues.

ALSO READ | Why the world's best player Ada Hegerberg has ditched Women's World Cup 2019

Part of Lyon since 2006, Renard has tasted glory at major competitions at her club, but is yet to lift the World Cup.

 

4) Marta (Brazil)

Marta
Marta Silva of Brazil shooting to goal during the international friendly match between Brazil W and Scotland W at Pinatar Arena on April 08, 2019 in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
 

Once called 'Pele in skirts' by the man himself, Marta is widely considered the greatest player ever to grace the women's game but has never won the World Cup.

She led her country to the 2018 Copa America Femenina title and scored 13 goals last season as Orlando Pride reached the US NWSL playoff semifinals. However, she is yet to score this year as Orlando started its campaign with no wins in six.

RELATED | Women's World Cup 2019: Five teams to watch out for

The six-time and reigning FIFA world player of the year will try to cap her long career in style and extend her lead at the top of the all-time Women's World Cup goalscorers charts.

 

5) Lucy Bronze (England)

Lucy-Bronze
Lucy Bronze of England Women in action during Women's International Friendly between England Women and New Zealand Women at Falmer Stadium Stadium , Brighton, on 01 June 2019 (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
 

Named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2018, Lucy Bronze is arguably the world's best right-back. She won the PFA Women's Players' Player of the year twice - in 2014 and 2017 - for her success with Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.

She was also the WSL Players' Player of the Year in 2016 and the England Player of the Year in 2015. Bronze has two domestic cup medals from her time with Manchester City and has won the Champions League twice with Lyon.

Although primarily a right-back, Bronze can also play anywhere in midfield. Phil Neville has found her most effective in the full-back position and the coach will look to make the most of Bronze - who he thinks is the best player in the world.

"Lucy Bronze is the best player in the world. Write that down, print that, because she is," he said of Bronze's calibre.

(With inputs from AFP).

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment