It is often said that with every new change, there arrives positive - and perhaps some negative - consequences, even if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. And the same certainly applies to this year's Womens World Cup. For the first time in the tournament's history, 24 teams will compete instead of the usual 16, meaning that eight new squads are making their debuts for the first time.
Whilst this will give the likes of the Ivory Coast, Thailand, Spain, and Switzerland an opportunity to feature against some of the biggest teams in womens' football, it does mean that quite a few of these debutants will be given a harsh introduction to how tough things can be once they try to match wits with some of the traditional womens' powerhouses. This, also has created some groups which are, truth be told, a tad unbalanced, with two or more debutants placed alongside squads who have won the title on at least one occasion.
And such is the case in Group B. On matchday one, Germany, viewed as heavy favourites to win it all after the mens' team did so in Brazil last summer, easily made mincemeat of a hapless Ivory Coast side by blitzing the Africans 10-0. This is the second highest win in WWC history, with the Germans first setting a record by demolishing Argentina 11-0 back in 2007.
Meanwhile, Norway, another solid womens' side easily cruised to a 4-0 win over debutants Thailand, and whilst their scoreline was not as lopsided as the Germany-Ivory Coast meeting, the general feeling is that the two top seeds from Group B were already determined once the groupings were announced a while ago. Still, if one were to look at Japan, who could not get out of their group stages with a single win for three straight tournaments before winning the WWC four years ago, all hope is not lost for the future as more teams gain that valuable experience on the bigger stage.
In any case, fortunately for fans, they will have the chance to see a more interesting clash as Germany and Norway lock horns at the Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa tomorrow afternoon. The Gresshoppene (Grasshoppers) and die Nationalelf are ranked 11th and first in the world. They have won a total of three WWC titles between them (one for Norway, and two for Germany).
Not surprisingly, the two teams have a history of meeting on international football's biggest stage: in 1995, the Norwegians defeated the Germans in the final 2-0 to win their first and only title. Twelve years later, the Germans powered past their fellow European side 3-0 during the semi-finals en route to winning their second WWC trophy. And in 2013 they clashed at the EURO tournament final, with the spoils going to Germany after a tense and entertaining 1-0 tactical battle.
Striker Celia Sasic, who grabbed herself a hat-trick in the rout of the Ivory Coast, made reference to the familiarity between the two sides prior to tomorrow's meeting:
"Norway have plenty of tournament experience, they're used to playing Germany in this kind of scenario at a World Cup. Whatever happens, it will be a tough match," the 26-year-old, who now has 60 goals for her national side noted.
"We need to create chances and convert them [because] we certainly won't get as many chances against Norway as we did against [the] Ivory Coast. [And] Norway have very experienced players, [especially] in attack, such as Ada Hegerberg and Isabell Helovsen."
It is no surprise that both Hegerberg and Helvosen were on the score-sheet against Thailand, with the two netting three out of the team's four goals. And whilst praising his team for a good showing in their opening match, coach Even Pellerud is under no illusions when it comes to taking on the no. 1 side in womens' football:
"We need to weed out some defensive mistakes. Offensively we are good at times, but on other occasions we were sloppy and we need to improve to be at our very best [if we want] to beat Germany," he analysed in his post-match press conference.
Who will come out on top in what should be an exciting match from start to finish? Make sure you do not miss out on Germany vs. Norway by checking out LiveSoccerTV.com's Group B page for broadcast information for wherever you are.
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