By Jonathan Dixon
BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Following is the FIFA Women's World Cup Group B Preview:
China
FIFA Ranking - 16th
Best World Cup finish -Runners Up (1999)
Expectations
China may be a long way from the glory days of the 90's, but this young, talented side will still hope to progress from the group stages and hopefully take a few big scalps with them on the way. Head coach, Jia Xiuquan has set expectations high for his squad but this side definitely has the ability to do it. Coming off an unfortunate last minute loss to Japan in the Asian Games final, China's young side have shown that they are more than capable of hitting the heights they once experienced. Success in this year's tournament will come down to the mouth watering final group game against Spain, in what is likely to be winner takes all qualification game.
Key Player
Wang Shuang - A genuine global superstar, Wang, sometimes dubbed "the female Messi," has had an up and down season this year for PSG. After starting the campaign on fire, injures derailed the stunning form she was showing in the first half of the season. At 24, she is the talisman of this young side and has the ability to win games on her own. Chinese fans will be praying that Wang is over her injury woes and can hit her early season form again.
Germany
FIFA Ranking - 2nd
Best World Cup finish - Champions (2003,2007)
Expectations
Like every German team before them the expectation is simple. Win. Much like the men's side, the women have also found themselves struggling for big tournament wins. Although they are the reigning Olympic Champions, a disappointing quarter final exit from Euro 2017 and a shocking last place finish in the SheBelieves Cup has left them unsure of where they stand. While the most are backing them to a major team in the final stages of the tournament, they must be at their very best if they are to pick up results against Spain and China.
Key Player
Dzsenifer Marozsan - Recognized as one of the world's greatest attacking midfielders, Marozsan has the ability to unlock any defense in the world. Supremely intelligent and with a touch reminiscent of Andreas Iniesta, Marozsan is the person in which most of the German play runs through.
Spain
FIFA Ranking - 13th
Best World Cup finish - Group Stages (2015)
Expectations
The fact is until recently women's football has not been on the radar in Spain. Unlike the supremely successful men's side, the women have never once been into the knockout stages of the World Cup. However, this time round the women's side are expected to escape the group and at least progress until the quarters. While a tough ask, Spain have been improved markedly since their disappointing exit four years ago and increased investment into the women's game in Spain has seen the level of domestic competition rise. The spine of 10 Barcelona players will be key to any success they hope to have.
Key Player
Patricia Guijarro - The 21-year-old starlet won the Golden boot and Golden Ball at the U-20 World Cup. One of the 10 Barcelona players selected for the squad, her raw talent and potential will certainly excite fans and players alike. Although she is not yet the finished product, her freshness could give the Spain hopes of banishing past failures.
South Africa
FIFA Ranking - 49th
Best World Cup finish - N/A (Debut)
Expectations
For South Africa's debut in the world cup they could not have been handed a more difficult group. Up against footballing superpowers in Germany and Spain and one of Asia's best teams in China, South Africa will be looking to rock the boat and with an eye to stealing a second place finish in the group. However, to all involved a more realistic expectation will be to steal a point or two and not be humiliated by the established teams in their group. If they show organization in defense and a strong will to make the hard challenges, then there's no reason why they could not get an upset or two.
Key Player
Janine van Wyk - A leader on and off the pitch and rock in the defense of her nation, 165 cap star van Wyk will be calling on all her experience if South Africa are to get anything from this group. As the most capped South African, of any gender, in any sport, she will be hoping that this tournament will be the culmination of all her hard work and commitment to the national side.
