As the seventh FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off in Canada, the hosts will be hoping to banish disappointing memories of their tournament four years ago in Germany. Led by star striker and captain Christine Sinclair, who is her nation's top scorer with 153 goals and is the most capped with 219 appearances, the team suffered a big blow when their talismanic attacker was injured in their first game against the Germans. Despite battling through a broken nose to score, Sinclair was unable to inspire her side to a win and they left Germany after crashing out of the group stages.
This time around, John Herdman's squad are hungry and determined to prove themselves in front of their home crowds. Canada has appeared in six straight World Cups dating back to 1995, but their best ever finish was a fourth-placed spot in 2003. Under Herdman, who took over in 2011, they clinched a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics and will be seeking to build on this newly found success.
After a disappointing campaign four years ago, Canada are determined to make things right on their home turf
Joining the hosts in Group A are the Netherlands, New Zealand, and China. Their first opponents, China, have endured quite their share of trials and tribulations. It is quite shocking that less than two decades ago, the team nicknamed as the "Steel Roses" were finalists at the 1999 World Cup and settled for second after an exciting spot-kick shoot-out against the USWNT. Like Canada, Hao Wei's troops will be making their sixth appearance, albeit they did not feature in Germany and have a whole crop of young stars keen to make their mark in women's football.
A newly refurbished China are seeking to work their way back into the elite after enjoying dominance in the 1990's
Meanwhile, as Canada and China will be battling it out, the 2015 World Cup opening day will also feature the Netherlands and New Zealand - both teams keen on making a good first impression for different reasons.
This tournament will be the fourth appearance for New Zealand, but in essence, they will be again starting from square one. The Football Ferns featured in the 1991, 2007, and 2011 editions, but have never won a single game - scoring just five, conceding 26, and their solitary point coming as a result of a 2-2 draw with Mexico back in the group stages four years ago.
Tony Readings will have his work cut out for him as the team seeks to finally break their streak of bad luck, and first up on the agenda will be the Netherlands, a team that are making their first ever World Cup appearance.
New Zealand cruised through their WC qualifiers 30-0 to make it to this stage, but will have to step up their game against tougher opposition
Unlike New Zealand, who breezed through their qualifiers without breaking a sweat, Roger Reijners' ladies had to do it the hard way - through a difficult, hard-fought play-off round against Italy which saw them edge out the Azzurre 3-2 on aggregate. The Netherlands, led by young rising stars Lieke Martens and Vivianne "Anna" Miedema are one of several teams making their first ever appearance and are looking forward to making a big splash on the world stage.
The Netherlands are one of three European teams making their debut this summer in Canada
On paper Canada look like the heavy favourites to progress, but, as fans saw in the men's tournament last summer in Brazil, anything can happen. China, the Netherlands, and New Zealand will all be arriving keen on making their mark as the eyes of their nations will be on them over the course of what should be an entertaining World Cup.
When and Where to watch Group A's Women's World Cup 2015 matches
Will hosts Canada book their spot in the next round? Or will the new girls on the block Holland be the tournament's surprise package? Make sure you stay informed with news, streaming options, and channel information by bookmarking our FIFA Women's World Cup page on LiveSoccerTV.com.
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