2019 Women’s World Cup Group B

The 2019 Women’s World Cup gets underway at the beginning of June, with two-time winners Germany having been drawn in Group B alongside China, Spain and South Africa. The reigning Olympic champions may not have been in the best form of late, however they are still among the favourites to come out on top in France this summer. With the countdown to competition having well and truly begun, let’s take a closer look at the nations involved in Group B, including the schedule, team news and betting odds.

2019 Women’s World Cup: Group B Table & Schedule

Germany
China
Spain
South Africa

2019 Women’s World Cup: Group B Schedule

8 June 2019 14:00 Germany vs China PR Roazhon Park, Rennes
8 June 2019 17:00 Spain vs South Africa Stade Océane, Le Havre
12 June 2019 17:00 Germany vs Spain Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes
13 June 2019 20:00 South Africa vs China PR Parc des Princes, Paris
17 June 2019 17:00 South Africa vs Germany Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
17 June 2019 17:00 China PR vs Spain Stade Océane, Le Havre

Germany

Former Switzerland boss Martina Voss-Tecklenburg took over as Germany Head Coach just a matter of months ago, with Die Nationalelf undoubtedly hoping to return to their top form in France. The reigning Olympic champions dropped just three points during their qualifying campaign, having scored a massive 38 goals in a group which featured Iceland and the Czech Republic. Germany finished fourth in the 2015 World Cup, while they come into the tournament off the back of friendly victories over both France and Sweden, along with a draw against Japan.

Captain Alexandra Popp is still the standout player for Germany, with the striker having scored 45 goals from 95 international appearances to date. Elsewhere, Lyon midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsán has the ability to unlock any defence, with Germany appearing to have a good mix of both youth and experience in their playing squad heading to France. Should they be able to register an opening Group B victory over China, it is highly likely that Voss-Tecklenburg’s side will finish top of the standings and make it safely through to the Round of 16.

China

China Coming into the tournament in 16th position in the world rankings, 1999 World Cup runners-up China will be looking to make up for some recent disappointing appearances at this level, having been knocked out at the quarter final stage by the United States four years ago. The Steel Roses are currently lead by Jia Xiuquan, who was promoted from the Under-20 set-up in 2018. Domestic-based players dominate the Chinese squad selected by Xiuguan this summer, with PSG’s Wang Shuang being the only one to ply their trade outside of the country.

The midfielder is set to earn her 50th international cap in France this summer, while the 24-year-old will also be hoping to add to her seven goals at this level too. Elsewhere, Ma Xiaoxu will lead the line for China throughout the competition, with the Dalian Quanjian striker having scored 61 goals in 152 appearances to date. China qualified for the World Cup after finishing in third position in the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, while they come into the tournament following a disappointing showing in the recent Algarve Cup, where they failed to win any of their three matches.

Spain

Having qualified for the World Cup Finals for just the second time in their history, having failed to make it out of their respective group in Canada four years ago. However, Spain are certainly progressing well under the guidance of Jorge Vilda, as their recent 4-0 friendly victory over Cameroon demonstrated. Vilda lead his side to maximum points from their qualifying campaign, with Spain having conceded just two goals in registering eight wins from eight in a group that included the likes of Austria and Finland.

The Spanish squad has a very youthful feel to it this summer, with players from Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao dominating proceedings. Striker Jennifer Hermoso is likely to be the biggest attacking threat for La Roja, with the 29-year-old being the countries leading goalscorer of all time with 27 to her name.

South Africa

As one of the lowest ranked teams in the entire tournament, little is expected of South Africa over the coming weeks. However, the African Cup of Nations runners-up will be keen to prove people wrong in France, with former midfielder Desiree Ellis having been in charge of the side since 2016. Despite not having any standout players within their ranks, South Africa are known for their hard working attitude, while the likes of Thembi Kgatlana and young midfielder Linda Motlhalo should pose a threat in the final third, with the duo both playing for Chinese side Beijing Phoenix at club level.

South Africa were recently defeated 3-0 by the United States in a pre-tournament friendly, with Ellis’ side having now not won a single match since their 2018 African Cup of Nations semi-final success against Mali. As a result, the Group B minnows will do well to pick up any points in France.

2019 Women’s World Cup: Group B Odds

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