Women's World Cup 2015: Fixtures, Schedule, Players to Watch and Predictions
No previous Women's World Cup has been anticipated quite like the 2015 edition, which kicks off on Saturday in Canada.
It has had more media coverage than ever before, there are more teams involved—24 compared to 16 in 2011—and most importantly, the quality set to be on show is immense.
Traditional powerhouses Germany and the USA are joined this year as potential winners by defending champions Japan, a hugely talented French side and Marta-led Brazil.
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Read on for a look at the schedule, predictions as to how the tournament will play out and a closer look at some of the top players.
| Date | Group | Team 1 | Team 2 |
| June 6 | Group A | Canada | China |
| June 6 | Group A | New Zealand | Netherlands |
| June 7 | Group B | Germany | Ivory Coast |
| June 7 | Group B | Norway | Thailand |
| June 8 | Group C | Japan | Switzerland |
| June 8 | Group C | Cameroon | England |
| June 8 | Group D | USA | Australia |
| June 8 | Group D | Sweden | Nigeria |
| June 9 | Group E | Brazil | Korea Republic |
| June 9 | Group E | Spain | Costa Rica |
| June 9 | Group F | France | England |
| June 9 | Group F | Colombia | Mexico |
| June 11 | Group A | China | Netherlands |
| June 11 | Group A | Canada | New Zealand |
| June 11 | Group B | Germany | Norway |
| June 11 | Group B | Ivory Coast | Thailand |
| June 12 | Group C | Japan | Cameroon |
| June 12 | Group C | Switzerland | Ecuador |
| June 12 | Group D | USA | Sweden |
| June 12 | Group D | Australia | Nigeria |
| June 13 | Group E | Brazil | Spain |
| June 13 | Group E | Korea Republic | Costa Rica |
| June 13 | Group F | France | Colombia |
| June 13 | Group F | England | Mexico |
| June 15 | Group A | Canada | Netherlands |
| June 15 | Group A | China | New Zealand |
| June 15 | Group B | Germany | Thailand |
| June 15 | Group B | Ivory Coast | Norway |
| June 16 | Group C | Japan | Ecuador |
| June 16 | Group C | Switzerland | Cameroon |
| June 16 | Group D | USA | Nigeria |
| June 16 | Group D | Australia | Sweden |
| June 17 | Group E | Brazil | Costa Rica |
| June 17 | Group E | Korea Republic | Spain |
| June 17 | Group F | France | Mexico |
| June 17 | Group F | England | Colombia |
| Winner | France (beating Japan in the final) |
| Top Scorer | Sydney Leroux (USA) |
| Best Player | Louisa Necib (France) |
| Best Goalkeeper | Nadine Angerer (Germany) |
Marta, Brazil
Undeniably a superstar of the game, the legendary Marta will have to be in top form if she is to propel the Brazilian side to their maiden World Cup win.
Unlike their male counterparts, the expectation is not overwhelming for Brazil's women, who are ranked seventh in the world, per FIFA, one ahead of hosts Canada, but behind sixth-placed England.
However, in 29-year-old striker Marta they have a game-changer of serious pedigree, per Fox Sports:
Her pace and finishing ability make her a nightmare for opposition defences, and she will be vital if Brazil are to top their group—which includes Spain, Costa Rica and South Korea—and gain an easier path in the knockout rounds.
Coach Oswaldo Alvarez contextualised Marta's significance to his team, saying she is "just as important to us as Neymar is to the men's team", per AFP via Daily Nation.
Marta has the ability to produce something from nothing and is, undeniably, the fulcrum of Brazil's team. If she performs, the Selecao could go deep in Canada.
Louisa Necib, France
One of the most exciting and gifted players in world football, Lyon midfielder Louisa Necib heads a supremely talented French team who could go all the way in 2015.
In 2011, Les Bleues finished fourth, with Necib providing much of the creativity as the central playmaker.
She is now an even better, more experienced player and is supported by a string of incredibly talented team-mates.
The 28-year-old's ability to keep possession, run at defenders and pick out a pass is second to none, and she is often compared favourably to French legend Zinedine Zidane:
In the same way that Zizou led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup—and to the final in 2006—Necib could inspire her side to glory in Canada.
There is a great deal of expectation on the French ahead of the 2015 tournament, and rightly so. Their technical proficiency and skill should see them go a long way, with Necib providing the golden touch.
Abby Wambach, USA
Canada in 2015 is set to be Abby Wambach's swan song, and she is desperate to win the USA's first World Cup since 1999.
The 35-year-old has had unbelievable success in her career, winning two Olympic gold medals and becoming the world's most prolific international goalscorer with 182.
However, in the three World Cups in which she has competed, the USWNT have failed to add to their two victories from 1991 and 1999.
Wambach wants that to change this year, and she is eager to finish off her incredible career on the highest peak, per LA Times' Kevin Baxter:
"I want to finish my career off on a high note, play in this World Cup and bring home the World Cup to the United States. That would be absolutely a dream come true and a perfect way to end a career.
"
Jill Ellis' side are pre-tournament favourites, with a squad stacked with quality players like Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux.
However, even though she is unlikely to start every game, Wambach is the beating heart of the USWNT, and her influence will be the most telling in the search for a third World Cup.
