Four years ago, Germany were dealt arguably the biggest shock of the Women's World Cup as they lost 1-0 to eventual champions Japan in the quarter-finals. It was a big blow to Silvia Neid's ladies as they were not only the hosts, but were heavy favourites to win what would have been their third straight title following wins at USA '03 and China '07.
Die Nationalelf, who are ranked no. 1 among the world's football teams, will now be seeking to match their male counterparts - who won the tournament last summer - and bring the title home to Germany. And fresh off winning the EURO 2013 competition two years ago, they are again looking like one of the big contenders to win it all in Canada this summer.
Star goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, who also serves as the team's skipper was a key part of their successful qualification that saw them win all ten matches with a whipping 62 goals earned and just four conceded. On a personal level, Angerer recently made history as the only keeper - male or female - to win the FIFA World Player of the Year. Fans will hope that the veteran shot-stopper will provide a steady presence between the stick on as they take on fellow European side Norway and two new teams on the world arena: Côte d'Ivoire and Thailand.
Tournament favourites Germany will be hoping to emulate the men's team success in Brazil and bring the cup home this summer
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As Germany prepare to participate in their seventh consecutive Women's World Cup, they will kick things off by taking on a squad at the opposite end of the experience spectrum: Côte d'Ivoire. Led by Clémentine Touré, the West African side are ranked 67th in the world rankings - the lowest out of the 24 teams participating - and are only participating in their third international tournament.
Their qualification for the World Cup was their second appearance in the African Women's Championship, in which they secured third place after holding off South Africa. Widely viewed as the weakest team in the tournament and certainly in their quartet, they will be in for a torrid time as they take on Germany and Norway in Group B.
Côte d'Ivoire are featuring in their first World Cup and third international tournament in their history
Alongside Germany, Norway are another highly experienced team in this quartet who have appeared in every single Women's World Cup since its inception in 1991. However, after winning it all in the 1995 edition, the squad, nicknamed as the Gresshoppene (Grasshoppers) have since been unable to replicate this same level of success.
In recent times, Norway have secured two fourth-placed finishes and one run to the quarter-finals before suffering a disappointing group stage exit four years ago in Germany. The return of Even Pellerud in 2012, who managed the team from 1989 to 1996 and during which they won their only World Cup to date has coincided with an encouraging uptick in form that saw them make it to the EURO 2013 and finish as runners-up to Germany.
Now keen on continuing in this rich vein of form, the Norwegians are definite favourites to join Germany and should have no trouble earning their first win against the group's other debutants Thailand.
After a period of frustrating results, Norway appear to be finally getting back on track with the return of coach Pellerud to the fold
Rounding out Group B are Thailand, who are one of eight teams making their first foray in the World Cup this summer. They made history as the first Southeast Asian squad to ever qualify and bounced back after losing 11-0 combined to Asian heavyweights China and South Korea by beating Myanmar and then Vietnam to book their ticket for Canada.
Thailand are one of the youngest teams at this tournament with an average age of just 22
Nuengrueth Sathongwien and her team will face a tough task in this group and, like Côte d'Ivoire will be using this tournament as a learning and growing experience. No one will expect them to be really able to hold their own against Germany and Norway, but for these ladies, they will certainly be excited at the prospect of making history for their respective nations on the biggest stage in women's football this summer.
When and Where to watch Group B's Women's World Cup 2015 matches
EURO 2013 winners Germany and runners-up Norway have one of the "easier" groups and are expected to make their way to the next round without much fuss, but this will represent chance to see some new faces as Côte d'Ivoire and Thailand make their debuts. 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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