Best players, fixtures, route to final & more

Brazil are back for their ninth Women’s World Cup in 2023, one of seven countries to have qualified for each and every tournament since it began in 1991.

The Selecao have certainly made their mark on the history of the competition. Marta and Cristiane both feature among the top seven all-time leading goalscorers, the former in first place, while Formiga has played at more World Cup tournaments (7) than any other player.

In 2007, Brazil stunned the United States with a 4-0 semi-final win, sparking something of a civil war in the American squad in the process, but were beaten by Germany in the final.

But despite a strong 2022 that saw them romp to another Copa America win, 2023 has been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of results. They finished third at the 2023 SheBelieves Cup after defeats to both Canada and the United States, but then ran England close at the Finalissima in April and managed to make a statement by beating Germany in a friendly in Nuremberg.

Women’s World Cup

Copa America Femenina

As in previous World Cup cyles, the most recent Copa America Femenina doubled as a qualifying tournament for this summer. There were three automatic places on offer for the two finalists and the third placed team. Given that Brazil won it again, they got safely through to the World Cup.

Marta

She’s 37 now, but the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year is a true icon of the sport. Marta has struggled with injury in recent years, but even her presence could lift a Brazil squad with a number of exciting newer midfielders and attackers onto a level to challenge.

Marta holds the all-time record for Women’s World Cup goals with 17 and there hasn’t been a finals tournament that has failed to score at this century, such has been her longevity. Meanwhile, an impassioned to girls all over Brazil in 2019 will also go down in World Cup history.

Kerolin

If Marta is starting to head off into the sunset, Kerolin is very much the up and coming star in this Brazil squad. The 23-year-old moved to Spain in 2021 to join Madrid CFF but has been making her name in the NWSL since signing with North Carolina Courage last year.

Already this season, Kerolin has eight goals in 13 league games for the Courage and big things await her in the future – Manchester United are working hard to recruit her for their maiden Champions League journey. She also impressed against England at Wembley in April.

Rafaelle

There is a feeling among Arsenal fans that Rafaelle’s time with the club was all too brief. The Selecao captain arrived in January 2022 but was gone just 18 months later when she joined Orlando Pride to further swell the Brazilian population in the NWSL. Even in that short time, she made an impact.

“Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.” former Arsenal teammate Leah Williamson said ahead of April’s Finalissima. “It’s the Brazilian way, and what she can do with her feet is impressive also. So, I’m in awe of her to be honest.”

Pia Sundhage

Pia Sundhage is a living legend of the women’s game. The 63-year-old was a prolific striker during her own career and powered Sweden to their only major international trophy to date at the inaugural European Championship back in 1984.

As a coach over the last 30 years, she has worked around the world – both in club and international football. Since 2007 alone, Sundhage has delivered back-to-back Olympic gold medals with the United States, took Sweden to 2016 Olympic silver and won the 2022 Copa America with Brazil.

Even with Jamaica a potential banana skin, not getting into the knockout rounds for the first time since 1995 would be a failure for Brazil. Their route in the latter stages depends massively on the group stage clash with France, which should determine who finishes top of the standings.

Placing first immediately means a more favourable last 16 tie against either Colombia or South Korea, followed by probably facing co-hosts Australia in the quarter-finals and most likely either England or Germany in the last four. The United States are expected to be waiting in the final.

It’s trickier finishing second in the group because that means a last 16 meeting with a very tough Germany side. Should they get through that, it probably England in the quarters and either France (again) or Australia in the semis.

Brazil have been dealt a tough hand by the World Cup draw, as have all teams on their side of the knockout bracket. The other half with the United States is much more favourable and the Selecao could likely have gone significantly further had they been placed there instead.

As it is, facing Germany straight after the group stage seems the most likely outcome. It is absolutely not beyond Brazil to beat anyone, but the Germans just have a way about them in tournament football – different to friendlies – that could see them grind out a win to progress.

Prediction: Last 16

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