FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Group H Preview & Fixture

Group H Teams

Colombia

Women’s football in Colombia is reaching great heights and they will feel optimistic about over-achieving in the 2023 World Cup. Colombia plays stereotypical tiki-taka football, loves to play the game at pace, and will always look to attack when given the chance. They fell short against Brazil in the Copa America final but did down Argentina in a convincing fashion despite the score being 1-0. You can expect a fierce and aggressive Colombian outfit, which was evident in their called-off warm-up match against the Republic of Ireland that got called short after 20 minutes because the Irish players feared for their safety. Linda Caicedo will be pivotal to this Colombian side, as the teenager just secured a huge move to Real Madrid.

Germany

Germany enters the FIFA Women’s World Cup as heavy favourites to win Group H and the entire tournament after narrowly missing out on the 2022 European Championship title. Even though the Germans have never met any of their three opponents in Group H, we still expect them to progress top of the group. However, a surprise defeat at the hands of Zambia despite having 77% possession is concerning. Although one thing you can expect is for the Germans to hold a lot of possession throughout their group stage matches. Alexandra Popp was missed in that European final loss but will be the main girl for Germany in this tournament. The 32-year-old has 62 goals in 128 appearances for her nation.

South Korea

South Korea will be hoping to make the most out of a competitive group (other than Germany) to progress to the Round of 16 for just the second time in their history. Their 2019 World Cup campaign was one to forget, losing every match and scoring just one goal. However, they have progressed well since that tournament and were runners-up in the 2022 Asian Cup after falling short against heavyweights China. With goals coming hard to come by in previous World Cups, they will be looking for experienced striker Ji So-yun to find the back of the net when it matters most.

Morocco

Morocco has qualified for their first-ever World Cup after reaching the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations final against South Africa. Despite falling short, skipper Ghizlane Chebbak was named player of the tournament and will need to lead the line again if they are to cause a shock on the biggest stage. Morroco is ranked 72nd according to the FIFA rankings, but many of the individuals have experience in the top leagues to suggest otherwise. Manager Reynald Pedros is rather traditional in his tactical approach, so you can expect a flat 4-4-2 to be their formation of choice.

Group H – Fixture

All times AEST

Mon, Jul. 24 – Germany vs Morocco 6:30pm AAMI Park, Melbourne

Tue, Jul. 25 – Colombia vs South Korea 12pm Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Sun, Jul. 30 – South Korea vs Morocco 2:30pm Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Sun, Jul. 30 – Germany vs Colombia 7:30pm Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Thu, Aug. 3 – Morocco vs Colombia 8pm HBF Park, Perth

Thu, Aug. 3 – South Korea vs Germany 8pm Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane