Group B: Germany | Ivory Coast | Norway | Thailand
After a sixth straight Euro title and dominant qualifying run, Germany is again in championship form.
The journey
Die Nationalelf lapped the field in their UEFA qualifying group, winning all 10 of its games with an absurd goal differential of plus-58. The only team to threaten Germany was Ireland, with the Germans needing a stoppage-time goal from midfielder Melanie Leupolz to win 3-2 on the road and then prevailing 2-0 in the return encounter. The Germans have never missed a World Cup, winning two titles and compiling 23 wins against only six losses and three ties.
On The Defensive
Despite a 1-0 upset by Japan in the 2011 Women's World Cup quarterfinals, no one limited opponents' chances more than Germany. It allowed nine shots per game and four per game in the penalty area, both World Cup bests.
The rep
Germany is one of the most complete teams in the tournament, possessing outstanding technical ability, impressive passing, elite goalkeeping and an immense variety in attack. Five players scored at least five goals during qualifying. The team is also known for playing with discipline regardless of circumstance. A big reason for that stability is coach Silvia Neid. She scored Germany's first World Cup goal in 1991, and is now in her 10th year as manager and 20th overall on the staff.
Projected Formation
Germany has used mostly a 4-2-3-1 lineup in the lead-up to the Women's World Cup.
The question
About the only perceived weakness for Germany resides with its back line. Collectively, it is a group that reads the game well, but generally shows a lack of pace in the back. If opponents can put themselves in some one-on-one situations, then Germany is vulnerable. The team will also be without reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Nadine Kessler; while she was key in helping the team qualify for the big dance, multiple knee procedures will keep her from competing in Canada.
World Cup History
A look at how Germany has fared in past World Cup tournaments:
Group-stage schedule
Germany's first two matches will be at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, while the final match will be held at Winnipeg Stadium:
• June 7: Ivory Coast, 4 p.m. ET
• June 11: Norway, 4 p.m. ET
• June 15: Thailand, 4 p.m. ET
Foudy's Take
If Germany wins this group, it will have a much tougher road in the knockout stages than Norway, my predicted second team to advance out of Group B. Germany and France could meet in the quarterfinals if France wins Group F. How about that as a reward for finishing at the top of your group?
Social Scene
New shirt, same ambition: Add a star to the badge. The @DFB_team_en Women's kit for the 2015 @FIFAWWC. #WWC pic.twitter.com/Gnnsr7MBTQ
- adidasfootball (@adidasfootball) April 7, 2015
