2023 Women’s World Cup Group A Preview, Predictions & Odds
In this post we have a Women’s World Cup Group A preview along with our predictions and all the odds ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Teams In Group A Of The Women’s World Cup
New Zealand
Jitka Klimková became the first woman to be appointed to coach the Football Ferns on a full-time basis in 2021, following 17 years of coaching experience, which included spells at underage level with New Zealand and the USA. New Zealand qualified for this World Cup back on the 25th of June 2020, when they were confirmed as co-hosts with Australia.
However, they have since been in poor form, falling to 26th in the World Rankings, their lowest-ever position after six defeats and one draw in 2023, conceding a dismal 20 goals and only scoring 1.
The signs aren’t good for the host nation, who have never gotten out of the World Cup Group Stages and will require huge performances from experienced heads Ali Riley (35), Betsey Hassett (32) and Hannah Wilkinson (31) if they’re to stand a chance.
Norway
Hege Riise was appointed as Norway’s head coach, replacing Martin Sjögren in August 2022 after 15 years of coaching experience, including being the interim manager for England in 2021 and a spell with Norway U19 between 2021-2022. Norway qualified for the World Cup, topping their qualification group unbeaten with nine wins and one draw. Hege came in for the final two group games to secure World Cup qualification.
Their 2023 form has been in-different through, with one win, two draws and two defeats in their five matches, albeit against top-quality opponents like Spain, Sweden and France. Norway won the World Cup in 1995 but will need big performances to repeat that feat from the likes of Mjelde (35), their captain, alongside Vilde Bøe Risa (27) and Ada Hegerberg (27).
Philippines
Alen Stajcic, formerly of Sydney Women, Australia Women and Central Coast, was appointed as head coach in October 2021 ahead of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. During his first tournament in charge, he guided them to the semi-finals following a penalty shootout win over Chinese Taipei which meant the Philippines qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time
Their 2023 form has been decent (albeit against weaker opposition to the European sides), with five wins and four defeats. There is no huge superstar in this squad, and it will likely be a collective effort.
If you were to pick out this team’s most influential players they would be captain Tahnai Annis (34), Quinley Quezada (26), who has 22 goals in 46 goals for her country, and Sarina Bolden (27), who has 22 goals in 36 games could all be players to watch.
Switzerland
Inka Grings was appointed as Switzerland’s head coach, replacing Nils Nielsen in 2022 after a period of coaching in Germany. Switzerland’s best appearance at the event came in 2015 when they reached the Round of 16.
Switzerland qualified for the World Cup by overcoming Wales 2-1 AET in the playoffs back in October, but since, their form has been average, losing 1-2 to Denmark in November and having four draws and one defeat in 2023. They will be looking for big performances from Arsenal pair Noelle Maritz (27) and Lia Wälti (29), along with Barcelona forward and their all-time cap holder Ana Maria Crnogorčević (145) and goal-scorer (70).
Women’s World Cup Group A Betting Odds
| Women’s World Cup Group A Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Team | To Win | To Qualify |
| Norway | 1/3 | 1/20 |
| Switzerland | 5/1 | 4/6 |
| New Zealand | 5/1 | 5/6 |
| Philippines | 500/1 | 100/1 |
Norway are the big favourites for Group A and is currently 1/3 to win the Group and 1/20 to qualify out of the Group.
Switzerland and New Zealand are both 5/1 to win the Group, with the former favoured to qualify out of the Group at 4/6 compared to New Zealand at 5/6.
The Philippines are not expected to do very well, which is reflected in their 500/1 to win the Group and 100/1 to qualify out of the Group.
Player to Watch
Ada Hegerberg (27) What is in the Norwegian water? Before Haaland reached worldwide prominence, Hegerberg has been a goal-scoring long before him and, since signing for Lyon in 2014, has scored a staggering 158 goals in 139 appearances. Her record with Norway isn’t too shabby either, with 43 goals in 76 senior games.
Ada Hegerberg, norueguesa e craque da bola, vai jogar essa copa do mundo feminina.
Vcs querem uma cobertura da copa do mundo feminina aqui no perfil? pic.twitter.com/B5Tyr0RUkn
— Fanático pelos Reds 🚩 🇭🇺 (@Fanatic_for_LFC) June 29, 2023
Game of the Group
Switzerland vs New Zealand, 30th of July
Women’s World Cup Group A Prediction
1st – Norway
2nd – Switzerland
3rd – New Zealand
4th – Philippines
Norway should have far too much for their opposition in this Group, with Hegerberg just an example of the World Class talent in their squad. The interesting point of this group will be who finishes second, and I expect it to come down to the final matchday between Switzerland and New Zealand.
Unfortunately for the Philippines, I feel they will just be trying to keep the score down in most of their games.
Click Below For All Our Women’s World Cup Group A Odds
*Prices subject to fluctuation
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