Teams: Germany, South Korea, Colombia, Morocco
While many will be looking to World #2 Germany to come out on top of Group H, recent games only prove that this World Cup is anyone’s to win. Case in point: South Korea recently beat Zambia – twice. So did Colombia with two 1-0 scorelines in November 2022. The same Zambia that just beat Germany weeks prior to the World Cup kicking off, with a 3-2 scoreline. Germany will surely have been working on tightening their defense and preparing for quick transitions from opponents as they seek their third World Cup victory.
Both Colombia and South Korea have one World Cup win to their name after multiple tournament appearances in the past. Colombia’s win came against France in 2015 and notably, the team was able to score against each of their 2015 group opponents (France, Mexico, and England). After missing the 2019 World Cup, Colombia will be eager to recement their place on the world stage with their third World Cup appearance. South Korea’s lone win also came in 2015, defeating Spain 2-1. The team is coming into their fourth consecutive World Cup after a disappointing exit in the group stage of the 2019 tournament.
Morocco is set to make their World Cup debut following a second place finish at the African Women’s Cup of Nations last summer, where they lost to South Africa 2-1.
Players to Watch:
If you weren’t already following the 21-year-old midfield phenom’s journey to the World Cup, be sure to keep an eye out for Germany’s Lena Oberdorf ($700,000). Despite a penchant for hard tackles and yellow cards, Oberdorf earned UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Young Player of the Tournament and was voted into the “Eleven of the Tournament” by the UEFA coaching staff. Fox Sports puts her at number 4 of their Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup list.
While Germany boasts a number of premium-priced players, this is a great team to consider for boosting any part of your lineup that might have a question mark. When it comes to goalscoring opportunities, Alex Popp may well be worth her $1,000,000 price tag. She tied England’s Beth Mead last summer for most goals scored in the Euros, despite missing out on the final due to injury sustained in warmups. This past season for Wolfsburg, Popp scored an average of one goal for every 3.6 shots, and her ability to win duels in the air should not be underestimated. If Germany turns out any games with big scorelines, it’s more than likely Popp will be on the scoresheet.
South Korea has struggled in World Cups past and comes into this tournament with the oldest squad, despite carrying both an 18-year-old and 16-year-old. The team will likely rely heavily on all-time leading goalscorer Ji So-Yun ($600,000) to show off her efficient shooting abilities and to place precise passes through crowded defenses for her teammates.
Colombia has yet to face any of their World Cup groupmates, which may well play to their advantage. The youth of this team bring talent and speed, with last summer’s Copa America Feminina MVP honors going to Colombia’s Linda Caicedo ($450,000). Caicedo also earned Best XI honors in that tournament and is set to be the first player to appear in the U17 World Cup, U20 World Cup, and Senior-Level FIFA Women’s World Cup within one year (if she makes an appearance for hosts New Zealand, 17-year-old forward Milly Clegg will also complete this trifecta). Her skill at shielding the ball and neat footwork in 1v1 situations will surely earn her fantasy points as she wins duels, and her knack for progressive carries that has been on show with Real Madrid since February only adds to the joy of watching a player like Caicedo. If the young Colombian can get on the ball, chances are high she’ll be finding the back of the net, regardless of opponent.
Moroccan captain, midfielder Ghizlane Chebbak ($450,000) was integral to her side’s success in the AFWCON tournament last summer, leaving as the tournament’s joint top scorer. A solid option for midfield goals and assists, as proven over the past year in tournaments and friendlies, Chebbak is a mid-level priced midfielder who will be getting the start and those all important fantasy points for minutes played. The growing presence of playmaker Fatima Tagnaout only serves to set Chebbak up for greater success in front of goal, increasing the likelihood that she’ll be bringing in points one way or another when Morocco scores.