Germany is the clear favorite to dominate Group H ar the 2023 Women’s World Cup as the second best team in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings.
On paper, South Korea will be Germany’s biggest challenge in what will be their fourth World Cup appearance. They successfully advanced from the group stage once before, back in 2015.
However, both Morocco and Colombia have their own stories to tell too. Morocco will be making their World Cup debut, while Colombia will want to improve on previous results.
Here are 90min’s players to watch from Group H.
Lena Oberdorf, at just 21 years old, is set to make her mark on her third major international tournament this summer.
From her debut at the 2019 World Cup, where she became the sixth-youngest player to represent Germany on such a stage, sitting school exams mid-tournament, to her commanding performances at Euro 2022, Oberdorf has firmly established herself as her country’s go-to midfielder and a vital presence on the pitch.
Oberdorf’s energy and tenacity are undeniable. She moves with lightning speed, delivering fierce tackles and brings a unique blend of skill and intuition to the game.
While she may not be the flashiest, her consistent performances have been instrumental to Germany, and will likely be for as long as she plays.
Klara Buhl will be ready for redemption this summer after unluckily missing the final stages of Germany’s Euro 2022 campaign.
The 22-year-old was player of the match in Germany’s quarter-final win against Austria. But she tested positive for Covid-19 and was then forced to miss both the semi-final against France and the eventual final loss against England. Before then, she had been one of the strongest contenders for player of the tournament.
Former Lioness Fara Williams called her a ‘nightmare’ to come up against, as she ‘can bully opponents’, and since the Euros, Buhl has somehow become a more complete player.
As a winger who can adapt to several styles of play, Buhl is happy to playmake and assist for her teammates, while also having a knack for goal herself. Her ability to play with both feet with almost the same efficiency is a rare talent that Germany will need this summer.
Ji So-yun is undeniably the heart and soul of South Korea.
The 32-year-old played a pivotal role in the success of WSL side Chelsea for years until her 2022 departure, llifting 11 major trophies with the club.
She was one of the first first non-British players to reach such high heights in the league, the first to make 100 and 200 appearances, respectively.
As South Korea’s all-time leading goal scoreracross both men’s and women’s football, Ji helped guide the team to the Asian Cup final last year. She possesses ball control which makes it look like she’s almost gliding past opponents.
Renowned as one of the most creative midfielders the game has seen, Ji has always been the star of her national team, and constantly lives up to the expectations.
Daniela Montoya etched her name in Colombian history by scoring the country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal, a thundered shot off the crossbar from outside the box that was later voted second-best goal of the 2015 tournament.
Having previously made two World Cup appearances (2011 and 2015), Montoya is aiming to surpass Colombia’s previous performances, where they were eliminated in the group stage in 2011 and reached the last 16 in 2015.
Colombia’s style of play has undergone a remarkable transformation, and Montoya is at the heart of it all, driving the team forward with fast transitions and quick, precise passing.
With a runner-up finish at the Copa America last year, Colombia enters the World Cup with a talented squad blending youth and experience, including the 32-year-old Montoya, who is sure to bring entertaining flair and stability.
Morocco’s Rosella Ayane had a hilariously surreal moment when she scored the decisive penalty that sent the Atlas Lionesses to the 2022 WAFCON final.
The crowd celebrated wildly, but Ayane had no clue they had won. She thought there was more to come, not realising her penalty sealed the victory with a 5-4 shootout win over Nigeria.
It was only when her teammates sprinted over that she knew they had made history by securing a place at their first ever World Cup.
Morocco may not have won the tournament but Tottenham’s Ayane, who made her senior international debut in 2021 after previously representing England at junior level, had a campaign with two goals in six matches.
A speedy forward who can play as a sole striker, in a duo, or out on the wing, her progressive style and unpredictable moves adds an element of surprise to Morocco’s game. It’ll definitely keep their opponents in Group H on their toes, especially those who may not be familiar with the team’s style.
