In less than six months, women's soccer will be on the world stage as Canada hosts the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. There are many teams that have a chance at winning the World Cup, including host country Canada, England and Brazil. But, when we look at performance of national teams to-date, five teams in particular - listed below - are the teams to beat in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
1. Germany Women's National Football Team
What a feat it would be if both the men’s and women's teams won the World Cup in back-to-back years. The German women are just as tough as the men, winning all 10 of their qualifying matches in Group 1. They yielded just four goals in those games while scoring 62. They also have FIFA's Player of the Year Nadine Angerer. To say Germany will be tough would be an understatement.
2. United States Women's National Team
Not too far behind the Germans are the Americans. The United States Women's Team struggled in the beginning of 2014, but still managed to not only win their region, but to dominate their group as well, not allowing a single opponent a goal. Although they got a tough draw that includes Sweden, the United States looks to avenge their loss in the Cup finals in 2011. Like the Germans, the U.S. is loaded with stars including Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.
3. France Women's National Football Team
Like the U.S. and Germany, France had no problem taking care of business in their group. There is a reason France is ranked as high as they are right now; it's because they boast the top scorer and top assister in European qualifying play. That they beat the Germans 2-0 in Offenbach in an international friendly tournament held last fall makes them even more dangerous. This is a team not to be taken lightly.
4. Japan Women's National Football Team
Unlike Germany, the U.S. and France, the road to Canada was a bit more rocky for the defending World Cup Champions. Japan had to fight off both China and Australia to advance to the World Cup despite missing a few key players from their team. But don't underestimate this squad. They have the experience and personnel to make some noise as they did in 2011.
5. Sweden Women's National Football Team
The good news for the Swedes is that they are one of the top defensive squads coming into this year's World Cup. The bad news is that they are one of the lowest scoring teams too, which concerns their head coach Pia Sundhage who says her team has a "terrible difficulty in creating chances." That's not good considering they are the same group as the United States, but their defense may be the key to them getting out of group D.
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