Women's Rankings and Finalised Draw for Women's Nations Cup 2019

The following article provides the rankings and finalised draw for the qualified Women's Nations Cup nations.

Qualified Women’s Nations Cup Rankings May 26:

Pot 1

17^th France (hosts)

1^st Brazil

2^nd Poland

3^rd Germany

5^th Netherlands

6^th Spain

 

Pot 2

7^th Mexico

9^th United States

12^th Argentina

13^th England

14^th New Zealand

15^th Italy

 

Pot 3

19^th Uruguay

20^th Bosnia/Herzegovina

22^ndGhana

23^rd Ukraine

24^th Croatia

27^th Iran

 

Pot 4

32^nd South Korea

39^th South Africa

54^th Switzerland

66^th Trinidad and Tobago

78^th Mali

93^rd Jordan

 

Finalised Draw for Women’s Nations Cup

Group A

France

England

Uruguay

South Korea

The group of death is clearly Group A, where France and England will play on opening night. Uruguay is coming of age as a team, and will give France and England a true run for their money. South Korea, the best Asian side, will give their all. If they cannot reach the top two, they certainly will vie for the best third-place teams, of which four will advance into the Round of 16.

 

Group B

Spain

New Zealand

Croatia

South Africa

The Spaniards are the favourite team in Group B. They qualified with ease, and are sure to see off New Zealand without so much as a whiff. Croatia are unknown, as they performed well to qualify for the Nations Cup, but when it comes to the big tournament, nobody knows how far they can go. South Africa automatically qualified for the Nations Cup without the need of the Playoffs, so they are in contention for the top two. If not, they are likely to be one of the better-placed third sides, and should make it through to the Round of 16. As for New Zealand, they looked vulnerable in periods against New Caledonia, and were able to only score two goals against them across the two Playoff games. The Kiwis will have to step up in their second and third games and produce results against Croatia and South Africa, or they will be one of the eight teams to exit early.

 

Group C

Netherlands

Italy

Iran

Mali

The top two in Group C are clearly the Netherlands and Italy. Who tops the group largely comes down to their first game against one another. Though Iran and Mali are to be commended for breaking through the Playoffs to qualify, very few analysts are placing their faith in either side to progress to the Round of 16. Iran may have a chance, but it will depend on the result of their first game, against Mali, followed by their ability to keep the Dutch and Italians quiet on the scoresheet.

 

Group D

Germany

Argentina

Ukraine

Trinidad and Tobago

Group D sees four formidable opponents. Germany are likely to top the group, with Argentina a close second, pending the Germans can overcome the Argentine attack in the first match. The Ukraine fared extremely well in qualification and know how to win important matches. Trinidad and Tobago showed they are able to overcome a deficit, albeit across two games. Will the Caribbean side hold their own against the Germans, Argentinians and Ukrainians? Possibly not, as we see those three likely to progress, with the Ukraine as a highly placed third place team.

 

Group E

Brazil

USA

Bosnia/Herzegovina

Switzerland

A grudge match for the ages will commence Group E, with Brazil taking on the Americans. These are the favourites for the group. However, do not knock off Switzerland. The Swiss, much like their male counterparts, have improved in recent years, and will be able to play alongside the Brazilians and Americans for long periods of the game. Some believe these matches will be a case of who can score the most, rather than a focus on defence. Bosnia/Herzegovina could also provide an upset and defeat or draw against Brazil and/or USA, but they will have to keep producing their best to have any chance. It is likely that Brazil, the USA, and Switzerland will advance to the Round of 16.

 

Group F

Poland

Mexico

Ghana

Jordan

Group F seems the most open of the six groups, where aside from Poland, ranked second in the world, any team can claim a spot in the knockout stages. The Mexicans are a powerful side, ready to attack at any moment. Ghana managed six goals to overcome the Ivoirians in the Playoffs, and that result has opponents taking notice. Jordan, though the lowest ranked side in the Nations Cup, will give their all and hope for an upset win.

 

Upcoming friendlies will be an indicator of the make up of the various teams and the tactics the coaches will use in the Nations Cup. Those that did not have Playoffs will be in better knick after an exhaustive qualification campaign, particularly the European sides, along with Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa and South Korea.