Women's World Cup Preview: Group B

Explore The Teams In Group B & The Group's Star Player Christine Sinclair

Author

Goalside Gossip
July 11, 2023

The Short Corner’s proud to bring you Women’s World Cup coverage like never before. Throughout the World Cup, we’ll be exploring the captivating journeys of legendary icons and rising stars as the take the pitch on the world’s biggest stage. In the meantime, our Group Previews will get you primed and ready before the action kicks off!

Group B Spotlight: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland

Australia

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

As the co-hosts of the World Cup, Australia, currently ranked 10th, is thriving on home advantage and high expectations. Despite initial setbacks under coach Tony Gustavsson, they've implemented a successful strategy of not over-relying on star players and instead building a resilient squad. Their recent form, with eight wins in their last nine games including triumphs over top teams, positions Australia as a strong contender in Group B.

Canada

Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns FC)

Canada, coming in as the 7th ranked team globally, secured their place in the World Cup by defeating Panama, thus ensuring a top-two finish in Pool B of the CONCACAF qualifiers. The team has consistently shown strong World Cup performances, qualifying for seven out of eight tournaments and achieving their best result in 2003 with a fourth-place finish; they enter Group B as favorites, especially following their victory at the 2022 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona)

Nigeria, the Super Falcons, with a FIFA ranking of 40th, have participated in every Women's World Cup since its inception, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish in 1999. Despite a fourth-place finish in the most recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Falcons are expected to struggle in a competitive Group B.

Republic of Ireland

Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

The Republic of Ireland, ranked 22nd in the world, is making its debut in the World Cup, having secured a spot in the tournament by finishing second behind Sweden in the UEFA qualifiers and beating Scotland in the playoffs. Despite being in a challenging group that includes hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and 11-time Women's Africa Cup of Nations winners Nigeria, they aim to make a strong impression at their first major tournament.

Group B Star Player: Christine Sinclair

Christine Sinclair, born on June 12, 1983, is a Canadian footballer recognized for her prolific scoring ability and longevity in the sport. Her stunning tally of 190 international goals is unmatched by any soccer player globally, male or female, a testament to her exceptional career. Sinclair's prowess and resilience have seen her participate in five World Cups, and at the age of 40, she is ready to compete in her sixth tournament. Her determination remains unwavering even after Canada's Olympic gold victory in Tokyo 2021, which marked her fourth Olympic appearance.

As Sinclair's career has advanced, she has shown her adaptability and skill by transitioning from a center forward to a more withdrawn role, yet maintaining her high-level performance. Her successful club career includes three National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championships with the Portland Thorns, the latest one achieved in 2022. Recognized as a pillar of Canadian soccer, Sinclair has been named Canada Soccer Player of the Year 14 times and has earned an impressive 319 caps for her country. Though a World Cup winner's medal has eluded her thus far, this year's tournament offers another opportunity for Sinclair to add this crowning achievement to her impressive list of accolades.