Group B: Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, England
Japan will be thankful to be in such a group. Norio Sasaki’s team has a miserable background in the short history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, New Zealand, Mexico or England are no Germany or Brazil.
England have bad memories of the 2007 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals to erase. Meanwhile, Mexico will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 1-15 overall score line they achieved in their only World Cup finals (1999 edition) till now.
That said, the Japanese could fancy their chances this time.
On June 27, Japan will face New Zealand in Bochum in both side’s opening game of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. Talking about New Zealand’s Women’s Football team, they are entering this summer’s event as the OFC Women’s Championship current titleolders.
The Football Ferns have a solid record continentally but they are yet to impose themselves during World Cups. The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be New Zealand’s third participation in the tournament. They’ve never gone past the group stage. Can they take advantage of the opportunity which Group B—without the likes of heavyweights like Brazil or Germany—presents?
Matches From The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup’s Group A:
Jun 27, 2011: Japan vs New Zealand
Jun 27, 2011: Mexico vs England
