Ready for some World Cup action, betting enthusiasts?
Well, as we approach the much-anticipated FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 event, I think it's time to familiarise ourselves with the competitive landscape.
In the initial stage, known as the group stage, teams are divided into groups, each playing every other team in their group once. Victory secures three points, a draw one, while a loss yields none. The top two teams from each group, determined by points and then goal difference, advance to the knockout stage - a single-elimination tournament leading up to the final.
And now, with the groups announced, it's shaping up to be a thrilling contest!
So, let's dive into the teams gracing each group this year:
✔️ Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland
✔️ Group B: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada
✔️ Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan
✔️ Group D: England, Haiti, Denmark, China
✔️ Group E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal
✔️ Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Panama
✔️ Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina
✔️ Group H: Germany, Colombia, Korea Republic, Morocco
Group A – New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland
Kicking off with Group A, we have New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, and Switzerland locking horns. Norway has an established legacy in women's football, but don't overlook Switzerland, who I have found to be making noteworthy strides in the game recently!
Group B – Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada
Transitioning to Group B, our beloved Matildas stand tall for Australia, backed up by the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, and Canada. This is a competitive group, no doubt, but my gut tells me our Aussie warriors have the grit to power through!
Group C – Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan
Next in line is Group C, comprising Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, and Japan. Tradition weighs in favour of Spain and Japan - their historical strength in women's football makes them the predicted favourites for this group when it comes to world cup betting predictions!
Group D – England, Haiti, Denmark, China
On to Group D, home to England, Haiti, Denmark, and China. Here, the Lionesses of England take centre stage, but I would suggest not to underestimate Denmark - their mix of seasoned and emerging talents could stir up a surprise or two!
Group E – United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal
As for Group E, well this presents a crackling line-up with the current champions, the United States, up against Vietnam, Netherlands, and Portugal. With the USA bent on retaining their crown, this group will definitely serve up some fiery contests!
And interestingly, in the same group, we find the Netherlands, the reigning European champions. Their previous World Cup journey was also remarkable, taking them to the finals where they only fell short against the USA. Definitely a group to pay close attention to!
Group F – France, Jamaica, Brazil, Panama
Now, we move to Group F, featuring France, Jamaica, Brazil, and Panama. France, a formidable force in women's football, will be keen to progress further than their quarter-final finish in the last World Cup. But keep an eye on Brazil, their flamboyant, attacking style is always a sight to behold!
Group G – Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina
Turning our attention to Group G, it's an exciting mix of Sweden, South Africa, Italy, and Argentina. The Swedes, with their robust history in women's football, are poised for a strong showing. However, if you had to ask me, well I would say don't sleep on Italy - they could very well be this group's dark horse, ready to stir up the field!
Group H – Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea
And last but not least, Group H wraps up the draw with Germany, Colombia, Korea Republic, and Morocco. Germany's prowess in women's football is legendary, yet don't rule out Colombia, renowned for pulling off unexpected feats!
With such an electrifying line-up, the battle for women’s world cup glory is well and truly on! And for the world cup betting enthusiasts among you, Australian betting sites are ablaze with predictions and odds. So, whether you're a seasoned punter or a casual footy fan, stay tuned for all the riveting action in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Women's 2023 event!