A number of subplots imply England face large job to put in writing new chapter of success story
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IFA president Gianni Infantino made his normal prediction on the eve of this Women’s World Cup.
He declared the event in Australia and New Zealand might be “the greatest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever” and, whereas these phrases aren’t any shock, on this event they need to ring true.
A document 1.4million tickets have been offered, with the overwhelming majority in Australia, the place there’s a rising buzz concerning the event.
The pleasure is constructing as a result of there’s a actual perception Australia can go all the way in which, regardless of beforehand by no means getting previous the quarter-finals.
There are clear parallels with England final yr, when the Lionesses received the Euros, and one senses the Matildas will certainly seize extra of the nation’s consideration in the event that they go deep within the event.
“I think for years to come this will be talked about, hopefully for decades to come,” mentioned Australia captain Sam Kerr earlier than she was dominated out of her nation’s opener in opposition to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday morning. “You saw what happened in England with the Euros, so hopefully we can replicate that.”
Australia are one among a number of sides who might win this World Cup and that’s what makes it such an thrilling prospect. Ticket gross sales and tv viewing figures are one factor, however it’s the soccer that might be remembered.
As many as eight or 9 groups might win this event, though there may be clearly one facet of the draw that appears simpler than the opposite.
Unfortunately for England, led by skipper Millie Bright, they’re in that more durable facet and, whereas a bunch of China, Denmark and Haiti seems very winnable, far higher checks lie forward.
The Lionesses’ half consists of Australia, Copa America champions Brazil, final yr’s Euros finalists Germany, France and Olympic champions Canada.
The different facet seems extra simple, with Spain and reigning champions USA the favourites to make the latter levels.
England might be relieved they’ve much less journey than others. The Lionesses’ group video games are in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. Denmark, against this, have two journeys throughout the nation to Perth both facet of their match with England in Sydney.
England don’t arrive right here, although, with the flying type with which they entered Euro 2022. They haven’t scored in any of their previous three video games, whereas they’re with out captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead.
A row with golf equipment over the discharge dates for gamers for the pre-tournament coaching camp has not helped. Nor has the gamers and the FA being at loggerheads over performance-related bonuses. The Lionesses will hope to enter these talks armed with the sturdy negotiating place of a profitable World Cup.
Holders the USA are favourites Down Under
/ APEngland gamers are striving to lift the requirements within the ladies’s recreation, however the group stage might underline the gulf that also stays between the highest groups and the remainder.
At the final event, USA beat Thailand 13-0 on the group stage and, with this World Cup expanded from 24 groups to 32, there may very well be extra one-sided video games. Those mismatches ought to solely finish with extra funding within the ladies’s recreation and this World Cup might present an enormous leap ahead.
The event is stuffed with nice storylines. The USA wish to win an unprecedented third straight title, Australia as co-hosts are attempting to encourage a nation, Germany need redemption after dropping the ultimate of Euro 2022 and France’s golden era are vying for one remaining shot at glory.
And then there may be England, who’re aiming to observe up European success by successful their first Women’s World Cup. That win over Germany 12 months in the past was historic, however triumphing right here would eclipse that.