Group E: Brazil | South Korea | Spain | Costa Rica
Spain is looking to make a strong debut at the Women's World Cup, and reaching the knockout stage would be considered a good result to build on.
The journey
Spain qualified for its first Women's World Cup in convincing fashion, going undefeated in 10 games in which it scored 42 goals and conceded just two. It took 27 years at the helm for head coach Ignacio Quereda to reach the Cup, but things began looking up when Spain reached the quarterfinals of the 2013 European Championships.
World rankings
Spain peaked at No. 15 in last year's FIFA world rankings.
The rep
La Roja are sure to gain instant attention because they have one of the most flashy and exciting players you will see this summer -- attacking midfielder Veronica Boquete. The squad's captain, Boquete scored two of the team's five goals in the 2013 Euros, and in 2004, she led the U19 Spanish team to a European championship. Boquete is one of three wingers lining up behind a single striker, creating a wide and varied attack that spans the entire field. If opposing defenses are even slightly off their marks, this Spanish offense will find a way to the goal.
Projected formation
Spain is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 lineup:
The question
Can Spain defend in the air on set pieces and services in the box? In friendlies before the Cup, La Roja had displayed the bad habit of losing marks in the penalty area or giving up the ball -- and sometimes goals -- from poor clearances. This squad, much like its male counterpart, also thrives on possession and might struggle if it has to fight for the ball against bigger, stronger teams. If Spain can keep hold of the ball, spread the offense and rise above its lack of experience, a knockout appearance is possible.
Players to watch
Here are three Spain players who should be on your radar:
• Ainhoa Tirapu, GK: After letting in just two goals in eight games (seven of them clean sheets) in UEFA, the 31-year-old Tirapu will look to keep a similar record in Canada.
• Veronica Boquete, M: Boquete's skill on the ball and speed of play is a notch above. She can take possession at midfield and slice through four defenders in the blink of an eye.
• Sonia Bermudez Tribano, F: With 10 goals in 10 games in UEFA qualifying, Bermudez will be a critical element of La Roja's attack, after she played a smaller part in the 2013 Euros.
Group-stage schedule
Spain's first two matches will be played at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, while the third match will be held at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa:
• June 9: Costa Rica, 4 p.m. ET
• June 13: Brazil, 4 p.m. ET
• June 17: Korea Republic, 7 p.m. ET
Foudy's take
All the teams in Group E like to play a possession-style game, which benefits Spain the most. Even though the Spanish men are legendary for their soccer dominance with this latest golden era of players, the Spanish women have long suffered from a lack of support and funding. Despite those challenges, many observers will be surprised by the high level of play from debutant Spain, especially Veronica Boquete, who is on the short list for World Player of the Year.
Social scene
She doesn't want me to leave.. But I explained to her that I have a World Cup to play!! @FIFAWWC #Canada2015 ������ pic.twitter.com/XIyUUIiiKu
- Verónica Boquete (@VeroBoquete) May 19, 2015
