Women’s World Cup Power Rankings: USA cruise, no Kerr no worries, Norway in freefall

With all 32 teams now playing their first match for the tournament, let’s take a quick look at how they fared.

1) USA, Group E (No Change)

Normal service resumed for the Americans in Auckland as they played out a 3-0 win against Vietnam courtesy of a Sophia Smith double. It continues their dominance within the tournament, having not lost a game since the 2011 final against Japan and their overall win streak stands at 10 games. It doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon, as they come to Wellington in a rematch of the 2019 final against the Netherlands.

2) Germany, Group H (+ 1)

A six-goal haul against Morrocco in Melbourne is the perfect bounce back for the Germans after their upset loss to Zambia in the lead-up to the tournament. Goals from Alexandra Popp, Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller helped confirm why the Euros runners-up are one of the favourites to win it all this year.

3) England, Group D (- 1)

While a win is a win, fans of the Lionesses would have certainly hoped for more than just a 1-nil win against debutants Haiti. Certainly, still, a dominant performance by England as shown in the stats from after the match but just didn’t quite have the same feel as they did back in Euros last year.

4) Sweden, Group G (+ 1)

A 90th-minute winner from Amanda Ilestedt would save the Swedish in Wellington against South Africa from the first major upset of the tournament. Having gone 1-nil down early in the 2nd half, they would bring it back to a tie through Fridolina Rolfo who managed to tap it past the keeper. Having the majority of chances late in the game gave them every chance, which they eventually took.

Australia’s Katrina Gorry (Photo by Stephanie Meek – CameraSport via Getty Images)

5) Spain, Group C (+ 3)

After going up 3-0 after 30 minutes, it looked like it would just be the start for La Roja, but they were unable to increase the margin. Still dominant against Costa Rica but with 46 shots and 81% possession for the whole game, you would at least expect them to have scored more than three goals.

6) Australia, Group B (No Change)

No Sam Kerr, no issues for the Aussies. Despite her absence Australia still manages to secure 3 points courtesy of a Steph Catley penalty against Ireland. Holding their composure particularly late in the game as Ireland rolled the dice for an equaliser should hold them in good stead for their clash against Nigeria.

7) Brazil, Group F (+ 2)

An Ary Borges hat-trick for Brazil was more than enough for them to pick up the three points in their 4-0 win over Panama. They didn’t look like losing from kickoff and maintained that level of play throughout the 90 minutes. With France’s slip-up, they look likely to sit top of Group F after the three matches.

8) Canada, Group B (- 1)

They dominated possession, the tempo and pretty much every other metric against Nigeria bar the one that truly matters. They certainly had their chances, with Christine Sinclair’s saved penalty being the best out of the lot. The draw puts them on the back foot in terms of group standings, being behind Australia and leaving them to play catch up.

9) France, Group F (- 5)

For Herve Renard’s first draw as manager of the side, it certainly felt more like a loss. Playing Jamaica should have been a great rebound from their warmup loss to Australia. But after a multitude of missed chances from the strikeforce of Kadidiatou Diani and Eugénie Le Sommer, they had to settle for a point. It seems like as a result of the draw, Brazil may now finish top instead of them.

10) Japan, Group C (+ 3)

A 5-nil demolition of Zambia is the perfect start that the Nadeshiko would have hoped for. While initially slow out of the gates, they powered home with 4 second-half goals courtesy of Hinata Miyazawa, Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo and Riko Ueki. With a distinct goal difference advantage over Spain, it can go a long way to solidify their chances of finishing atop Group C.

11) Denmark, Group D (- 1)

Denmark needed Amalie Vangsgaard coming off the bench to score an 89th-minute header for a 1-nil win against China, but more importantly, Denmark got 3 points from their biggest competition within the group. This result makes their journey to the knockouts a hell of a lot easier, so long as they don’t give China a possibility of sneaking in.

(Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

12) Netherlands, Group E (- 1)

The Oranje got off to a good start at the Women’s World Cup with a VAR check on Stefanie van der Gragt’s first-half goal proving to be the difference between themselves and Portugal. They looked likely to score a second with half of all their total shots on target which at least gave themselves a chance. It very nicely sets up the 2019 final rematch in Wellington against the USA. Should be a belter.

13) Italy, Group G (+ 1)

A very even match between Italy and Argentina sees the Azzurre manage to get all 3 points thanks to a Cristiana Girelli goal in the 87th minute. It could have easily been 3-0, with Italy having two goals ruled offside within the first half but they still found enough for the win. Sets up a very important clash with Sweden which could secure their spot in the knockouts.

14) Switzerland, Group A (+ 2)

Their 2-0 performance over the Philippines seemed to be par for the course from the outset. They dominated as shown by the 74% possession and 87% pass accuracy. It puts them first in Group A due to the superior goal difference over New Zealand. While they are likely to be tested by a Norway side looking to redeem themselves, they now probably come into the match as the bookie’s favourite.

15) Norway, Group A (- 3)

In a game that they would have likely pencilled in to get at least a point, an ill-disciplined Norway walks away from Auckland sitting in 3rd with their fate likely to be decided against Switzerland. Anything but a win would likely see them replicate their Euros result and be knocked out of the group stage. But if they can, then destiny is once again back in their hand.

Colombia’s Linda Caicedo. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

16) Colombia, Group H (+ 1)

Two first-half goals for Colombia were able to secure three points over South Korea. They were scored towards the latter end of the half which went against the flow of the game at that stage. It allowed them to take control into the second half to maintain their lead. Germany now awaits.

17) South Korea, Group H (- 2)

South Korea had their moments against Colombia, particularly in the first half. But once they conceded a penalty in the 30th minute, Colombia would maintain control throughout the game and didn’t allow South Korea to score. With Morocco coming up next, they should pick up the 3 points giving them a chance in their last matchday.

18) Ireland, Group B (No change)

While they would have wanted something to show for their efforts, Ireland has proved their capabilities under the leadership of Katie McCabe and Vera Pauw at the tournament. Their pressure and defensive structures held Australia to just one goal. Had opportunities towards the end of the match but just couldn’t get it past the last line of the Australian defence.

19) New Zealand, Group A (+ 3)

After 15 games of not scoring a single point at a Women’s World Cup, a Hannah Wilkinson goal in a fairly even game saw New Zealand manage to secure their first-ever win at the tournament. It was against arguably their biggest challenge within the group in Norway and now opens up the possibility of a Round of 16 berth for the Football Ferns. Certainly, exciting times in the land of the long white cloud.

20) China, Group D (- 1)

In a game that had so much riding on it given a positive result would have set themselves up for a knockout spot, China will be disappointed that they conceded so late after neutralising Denmark so well through their pressure. It makes their roadmap to the knockouts a hell of a lot harder, but not impossible.

21) Portugal, Group E (- 1)

Portugal played well in their debut performance but what ultimately prevented them from getting any points for creating chances? In the final third, they only managed 46 entries to the area which was predominantly on the wings, compared to the Netherlands’s 64 which featured more central entries in comparison. Their game against Vietnam next week should be a very interesting watch to keep their chance alive.

22) Argentina, Group G (- 1)

Argentina was lucky Italy had the majority of their goals ruled off for offside. While a 1-0 loss was more representative of what the game was, it shows that Italy was able to convert their chances while Argentina weren’t. Should be the favourite going into the match against South Africa, but it looks to be another close one.

Jamaica celebrates. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

23) Jamaica, Group F (No change)

One small point for Group F. One giant point for Jamaica. The Reggae Girls have avoided their first-ever defeat in the Women’s World Cup against France in Sydney. While largely due to France not taking its chance, they held on to claim a stalemate. Although, it came at the cost of captain Khadija Shaw who was sent off in the later moments of the match.

24) Nigeria, Group B (No change)

Captain Chiamaka Nnadozie’s penalty save won her Player of the Match but also secured a point in the group standings. They’ll come to Brisbane with some optimism they are capable of getting a similar result against Australia. The Super Falcons will be missing Deborah Abiodun as a result of a suspension through a red card, which may see some retooling of the midfield.

25) South Africa, Group G (No change)

What could have been for the Banyana Banyana if not for the last-gasp goal from Sweden? They took the lead early into the second half catching the Swedes off guard with a goalkeeping deflection providing Hildah Magaia with an open goal to score. Unfortunately, Sweden was able to finally convert their chances. Should give them some hope going into Argentina.

26) Philippines, Group A (No change)

The Philippines would undoubtedly have wanted to have done better in their debut performance in the Women’s World Cup. It could have been a different story had Katrina Guillou stayed onside to have given them the lead against the Swiss. But after that, Switzerland controlled the game and put it out of reach. A good showing that they built upon against New Zealand, with an historic 1-0 victory.

27) Vietnam, Group E (No change)

They were always going to be up against it when your first match was going to be against the USA. While they played valiantly, Vietnam could only do so much to prevent the US from scoring. There were positives as shown by Trần Thị Kim Thanh saving Alex Morgan’s penalty kick, but there just wasn’t enough to give Vietnam a chance.

(Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

28) Haiti, Group D (+ 4)

Haiti can certainly hold their head high to keep England to just 1 goal in their debut match. England still controlled the majority of the game but were still wary of the likes of Lyon’s new signing in Melchie Dumornay posing a threat. Could cause a lot of chaos for China and Denmark in Group D.

29) Costa Rica, Group C (No change)

The Las Ticas would be somewhat happy with that result knowing that it could have very easily been similar to the result that happened 9 months ago between Spain and Costa Rica at the Men’s World Cup. They were completely outplayed in every aspect of the match and there was very little they could do.

30) Zambia, Group C (- 2)

A Women’s World Cup debut to forget for the Copper Queens in Hamilton as Japan put 5 past them. To add insult to injury, a red card to Catherine Musonda right at the end of the game was just the cherry on top. But I mean, that should bounce back against… (checks notes) Spain. Yeah, it might get worse before it gets better for Zambia.

31) Panama, Group F (No change)

Panama were simply outplayed by a superior team in Brazil. From kickoff to final whistle they just couldn’t stop their attack. The form that they brought into the competition is now being perpetrated in the group stage after conceding more than 3 goals in their last three matches. It should be interesting to see what they do against Jamaica to prevent another loss.

32) Morocco, Group H (- 2)

Another debutant at the FIFA Women’s World Cup was demolished in their opening group game. Morocco just didn’t seem comfortable at all whenever the ball had come from off the wings and was floated in the box, with the majority of their six goals conceded from corners and crosses. Hopefully, they will be more competitive in the next games.