The 32 teams are eager to showcase their abilities in Australia for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The event runs throughout Australia and New Zealand from today, Thursday, until August 20.
In addition to Canada, England, Germany, Norway, and France, the United States will attempt to defend their two consecutive championships.
In addition, debutants Haiti, Portugal, Zambia, the Philippines, Ireland, and three other teams want to leave a lasting impression on the competition.
In the tournament’s opening match, co-hosts New Zealand will play Norway in Auckland’s Eden Park in an effort to win their first-ever match.
While the 1995 champions Norway have never missed a Women’s World Cup finals, New Zealand is competing in their sixth tournament.
The Philippines, who just won the AFF Championship, are also in Group A and will be motivated by their recent success there, while Switzerland, under the direction of new coach Inka Grings, will be hoping to avoid another embarrassing group stage exit like it did at the European Championship.
Many think the Super Falcons are in the group of death, Group B, which also includes co-hosts Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Nigeria. However, striker Ifeoma Onumonu is optimistic that Randy Waldrum’s team can go one step further than they did at the Women’s World Cup in 2019, where they lost to Germany in the Round of 16.
Prior to it, at the 1999 U.S. edition, the Falcons were just a loss away from the semifinals before falling to Brazil 4-3 in extra time.
Onumonu, 29, is prepared to help Nigeria achieve glory as she competes for the Falcons in her second big tournament.
The Gotham FC striker admitted to ESPN that this will be his first major international competition because he has never attended a World Cup.
“At the World Cup, I want to leave my mark. I want to participate in the World Cup, not just attend it. I’m not in the World Cup merely to boast that I was there; I’m there to win.
“I’m still working on understanding that. Just what that looks like, I’m not sure. I am aware that as the time draws closer, deciding what I want to leave at the event will be a part of my preparation.
Along with Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Desire Oparanozie on the team’s packed forward line, the Gotham FC striker also thinks she can make an impression.
This will be my first major international competition because I have never attended a World Cup. It will be challenging, and I’m ready for that,” she concluded.
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“I want to compete, not just watch the World Cup. I’m not in the World Cup merely to boast that I was there; I’m there to win.
The Australians in the Falcons group are not only counting on their home crowd to support them at the World Cup, but also on star striker Sam Kerr to help them beat their best result from the Women’s World Cup.
Despite participating in the last seven editions, Australia has only once advanced to the quarterfinals.
Given their Olympic victory at the Tokyo Games, Canada is the favourite to win. Ireland is competing in the women’s championship for the first time, and their skipper Katie McCabe will be crucial to their success.
In addition to Nigeria, Africa will also be represented by South Africa, Zambia, Morocco, which is participating in the competition for the second time, and Nigeria.
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