The surprise packages of the group stage

• There were several unexpected storylines that emerged from the group stage

• Jamaica, South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco advancing to the round of 16 is chief among them

• Perceived contenders like Brazil, Canada and Germany crashed out early

With a tournament-high 32 teams – eight of them debutantes – battling it out across not one but two host nations, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ was already destined to be a ground-breaking event for the women’s game and the best in history. But then the group stage happened, throwing up a series of shocks and surprises that nobody could have predicted.

As the 48 games of the group stage have shown, there has been a sudden shift in the global dynamics of women’s football, with traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany and Canada all falling at the first hurdle.

FIFA looks at the group-stage surprise packages at Australia & New Zealand 2023, some of whom are still in the running and determined to keep their fairytale runs going, while others are already home but intent on coming back stronger.

Finished first in Group H Biggest statement: 2-1 victory over Germany

The last time Germany lost in the group phase was nearly 30 years ago, back at Sweden 1995. One person who was completely unaware of that fact was Linda Caicedo, who was born ten years later and led the Colombians to a famous win over the much-vaunted Europeans. The Real Madrid striker has been one of the stars of the tournament so far.

Finished second in Group H Biggest statement: Two wins in their tournament debut

Not many teams would be able to come back from a 6-0 drubbing in their opening match. But then, not every team is Morocco. Appearing in the competition for the first time and the first Arab team to do so, they bounced back straightaway to beat Korea Republic and fellow sensations Colombia and knock their first-match tormentors, group favourites Germany, out of the competition. Not unlike their male compatriots, who reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, the Atlas Lionesses are brimming with character. Whatever happens in the last 16, they are set to climb up the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, where they currently lie 72nd.

Finished second in Group F Biggest statement: Knocking out Brazil

Forty-fourth in that Ranking, Jamaica were in no way intimidated at the prospect of taking on heavyweights and title candidates France and Brazil. Coming away unscathed from those two encounters, the Reggae Girlz qualified from the group stage for the very first time and did so without losing a game or conceding a goal, which is quite an achievement considering they let in 12 in their three group games at France 2019. Switzerland and Japan are the only two other sides yet to concede at Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Finished second in Group B Biggest statement: Beating co-hosts Australia and contributing to Canada’s early exit

The only African country to have graced all nine World Cups held to date, Nigeria further enhanced their reputation by going through the group stage unbeaten for the first time. In the process, they held Christine Sinclair and Canada to a draw – helping to condemn the reigning Olympic champions to an early elimination – and beat co-hosts Australia in front of their own fans, results that made them the revelation of the group.

Finished second in Group G Biggest statement: Defeating and eliminating Italy and giving Sweden a scare

Africa has three representatives in the knockout stage, a first at the Women’s World Cup. South Africa left it very late to book their place, scoring in added time to beat Italy, who are 38 places above them in the Women’s World Ranking. Pointless at France 2019, Banyana Banyana owe much to their legendary coach Desiree Ellis, and would have had an even better return than four points had they not conceded a last-minute winner in their opening match against Sweden.

Finished third in Group E Biggest statement: Running USA very close

One of the most dramatic moments of the tournament came when Ana Capeta hit the post in the closing seconds of Portugal’s goalless draw with mighty USA, a moment that will be replayed in her home country for a very long time. A few centimetres to the left and Capeta’s well-struck effort would, in all probability, have sent the reigning two-time champions and red-hot favourites crashing out of the competition. As well as being historic, such a goal would have been deserved. The Portuguese gave their esteemed opponents the sternest of tests and can return home with heads held high.

Finished fourth in Group A Biggest statement: Beating co-hosts New Zealand

It was supposed to be the match in which New Zealand would follow up their defeat of a powerful Norway side and qualify for the next round. The country expected nothing less. The only thing was, the Philippines had not read the script. After making life difficult for Switzerland in their opening game, the AFC side promptly recorded their maiden Women’s World Cup win. Led by forward Sarina Bolden, the tournament newcomers went into the final matchday of a tricky group with a chance of qualifying themselves, but were soundly beaten by the Norwegians.

Source:FIFA Media