Women's World Cup 2015: Pivotal Factors to Decide Group F
France and England are the favorites in Group F at this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. But what of Colombia and Mexico?
The two Latin American sides have appeared in a combined three World Cups and have departed at the group stage each time. Colombia failed to score in three matches, and Mexico crashed out despite drawing with England, which went on to win their group.
France, meanwhile, has only appeared in two World Cups, but Les Bleues appear to be a team on the rise. As for England, the aim will be moving past the quarterfinal for the first time in four attempts.
Keep reading for the pivotal factors that could decide Group F.
Group F at a Glance
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Here is a look at the match schedule for Group F.
All times listed are EDT. Match sites are in parentheses.
June 9
France vs. England, 1 p.m. (Moncton Stadium, Moncton)
Colombia vs. Mexico, 4 p.m. (Moncton Stadium, Moncton)
June 13
France vs. Colombia, 1 p.m. (Moncton Stadium, Moncton)
England vs. Mexico, 4 p.m. (Moncton Stadium, Moncton)
June 17
Mexico vs. France, 4 p.m. (TD Place Stadium, Ottawa)
England vs. Colombia, 4 p.m. (Olympic Stadium, Montreal)
Here is a glance at the four teams in Group F:
Team: France
Qualified as: UEFA Group 7 winner
Previous World Cups: 2
Best finish: Fourth place in 2011
FIFA rank: 3
Average age: 26
Team: England
Qualified as: UEFA Group 6 winner
Previous World Cups: 3
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1995, 2007 and 2011
FIFA rank: 6
Average age: 27
Team: Colombia
Qualified as: Copa America Femenina runner-up
Previous World Cups: 1
Best finish: Group stage in 2011
FIFA rank: 28
Average age: 23
Team: Mexico
Qualified as: Third-place finisher at CONCACAF Women's Championship
Previous World Cups: 2
Best finish: Group stage in 1999 and 2011
FIFA rank: 25
Average age: 23
Is France Worthy of the Hype?
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Ranked No. 3 in the world, France enters the tournament with plenty of accolades from the world's press.
Les Bleues have "all of the elements to become a World Cup champion," according to former United States star and World Cup champion Julie Foudy (h/t ESPN). Sports Illustrated's Liviu Bird, writing after France beat the U.S. in a friendly earlier this year, argued that coach Philippe Bergeroo has constructed a team that "can play with the best in the world." At the Guardian, Nick Ames has noted "few weaknesses" in the squad. And at NBC Sports Pro Soccer Talk, Dan Lauletta called France the "rising stars" of women's soccer.
All this for a team that has qualified for the Women's World Cup just twice before.
Despite France's status as a relative World Cup newcomer, recent history suggests the team is indeed on the rise. After finishing fourth at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, Les Bleues did so again a year later in the Olympics. Thus France appears to be a side that is improving quickly but still has not been able to beat top teams in competitive matches.
Friendly matches are another story. In the past year, France has defeated Germany, Brazil and the U.S. in exhibitions. But at Euro 2013, Bergeroo's team lost to Denmark on penalties in the quarterfinals, and in the Algarve Cup final, Les Bleues fell 2-0 to the U.S..
This summer, then, will serve as a chance for France to put a strong run together. The requisite talent is certainly present.
Louisa Necib (pictured), one of the world's best midfielders at present, has drawn comparisons to French legend Zinedine Zidane, earning the nickname "Ziza." Gaetane Thiney, who scored 13 goals in qualifying (France won all 10 games by a combined 54-3 score) leads the attack, while Eugenie Le Sommer and Marie-Laure Delie offer further options. Wendie Renard, who stands at 6'2", leads the defense and provides an offensive threat on set pieces.
With a team stocked with talent, France will play an attractive, technical style that is sure to thrill audiences. Four years from now, the World Cup will be held in their home country, but this summer, Les Bleues will be looking to take the next step in their development.
Can England Finally Overcome France?
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England's last two major tournaments have ended against France. Four years ago at the World Cup, the Three Lionesses reached the quarterfinals before falling to France on penalties. Two years later, a 3-0 defeat to Les Bleues in the final group game sent England out at the first hurdle. Thus in addition to the natural desire any competitor has to win matches, England's players will also have extra motivation in the form of revenge.
As Tim Stillman notes at FourFourTwo, England has plenty of experience with players like Fara Williams (pictured), Siobhan Chamberlain, Katie Chapman and Alex Scott. Eniola Aluko (32 goals in 91 caps) and Toni Duggan (14 goals in 26 caps) provide speed and strength in the attack. In addition, manager Mark Sampson has restored team unity following the early exit from Euro 2013, which ended Hope Powell's tenure as coach. But veteran forward Kelly Smith has retired, meaning England needs a new player to step in as the star.
The schedule will bring an immediate test, with England set to play France in both teams' opening match on June 9. A win or draw in that game would not only all but ensure progress to the knockout stage, but would also give the Three Lionesses a major boost in confidence.
How Will the Big Match Play Out?
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France and England will face off on June 9 in what is without question the most anticipated match of Group F. It will be the first match for both. But while the game will certainly draw plenty of interested onlookers, logic suggests the two teams might not need to push all-out for the win.
Under the new, expanded format at this year's World Cup, 16 of the 24 teams will qualify from the group stage. The top two in each group will advance automatically, and four of the six third-place sides will move on as well. That means France and England both have a high chance of going through regardless of the result. A draw would do neither team any harm and would provide a good foundation for the final two matches against Colombia and Mexico.
Then again, the lack of pressure could mean France and England feel as if there is little to lose. That could make for an open, entertaining game.
Which way will the game play out? We won't know for sure until kickoff, but a cautious approach seems likely.
Can Colombia and Mexico Compete?
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Colombia and Mexico are underdogs in Group F, but the tournament's expanded format means both teams have a decent chance to progress to the knockout stage.
Yoreli Rincon, a creative midfielder, is the player to watch for Colombia, which qualified by finishing second to Brazil in last year's Copa America Femenina. Las Cafeteras netted 12 goals during the tournament, with eight different players finding the back of the net.
Mexico earned a draw with England in the 2011 World Cup and will be hoping to build on that this time around. Teresa Noyola, who played for the U.S. at the youth level, could pose a threat with crosses from the wing, and viewers might remember Monica Ocampo's spectacular long-range goal against England four years ago.
The question, of course, is whether either team can compete with France and England. The European sides appear to have more talent, and certainly have more impressive resumes. Much will depend on the opening game, which matches Colombia and Mexico in Moncton. The winner of that encounter will stand a great chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
Follow @MiguelCominguez
