2019 Women's World Cup DFS Primer
Never thought we’d be in this position; watching Women’s World Cup film each night for the past few weeks and even messaging foreign fans, translating messages, or what have you. Here we are though. The more I watch, the more excited I become. These girls can play, and I’m here for it. The fact that DraftKings and FanDuel are offering contests is pretty damn cool to be honest, so let’s take full advantage of it; but most of all, enjoy!
This preview includes a brief rundown of each nation in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Use it to help you in daily fantasy or just to ensure a solid base of information heading into the tournament. Some of the information for the smaller nations was very hard to find and we had to dig a few years back into other matches to find information as those were the only matches with video on YouTube, but we tried to get all of the information in one place. Buckle in for a fun ride!
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Press ‘Control F’ to search for a particular player/team (just because they aren’t listed doesn’t mean they aren’t relevant)
TEAM PREVIEWS
GROUP A
France
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Eugenie Le Sommer, Amel Majri, Gaetane Thiney
Key Players: Eugenie Le Sommer, Kadidiatou Diani, Delphine Cascarino, Gaetane Thiney
Style & Preview: The hosts of the 2019 World Cup have achieved victory in all but one match in the last calendar year and are considered one of the favorites to win the whole thing. The French team has a brilliant defense coupled with a magisterial attack, outscoring their opponents 40-3 in their last 11 friendlies. It is hard to find any flaws in this side as they head into the tournament. The attack that consists of Kadidiatou Diani, Eugenie Le Sommer, and Delphine Cascarino is arguably the best in the world, they play an aggressive style that has led to fruitful results thus far and this team will be one of the most fun to watch and even lift the World Cup Trophy by the end of it all.
Expected Penalty Taker: Griedge Mbock-Bathy*
Nigeria
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Ngozi Okobi, Ngozi Ebere
Key Players: Asisat Oshoala, Rita Chikwelu
Style & Preview: The Super Falcons return to the World Cup seeking to get out of the group stage for only the 2nd time in their history. This group however is very tough and it is unlikely that they do get to the knockout stage. They have some spark in the attack and the best jerseys in the tournament to boot. Asisat Oshaoala made a name for herself on one of the best clubs in the World in Barcelona, so she’ll be relied on extremely heavily in France. If she’s shut down, Nigeria are in big trouble.
Expected Penalty Taker: Asisat Oshoala
Norway
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reitan
Key Players: Isabell Herlovsen, Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reitan
Style & Preview: The Grasshoppers come into this WC missing arguably the best female talent in the world Ada Hegerberg due to unequal working conditions and overall support for the women’s program. In her absence, Norway will look to Isabell Herlovsen for scoring. She has over 50 goals in her time with the national team. Caroline Graham Hansen who recently signed with Barcelona is one of the team’s greatest attacking threats. Being the main set piece taker Hansen will be a great DFS target. Another name to keep an eye on is Guro Reiten who will have some set piece duty. The captain Maren Mjelde who plays the dreaded CB position could be a nice punt in GPPs. Check out her free kick goal from the last WC vs Germany. 4-4-2 will be the likely formation with Kristine Minde and Ingrid Moe Wold being the fullbacks. Without their star player it will be interesting to see how they perform but they should have the talent to make it out of the group stage
Expected Penalty Taker: Caroline Graham Hansen
South Korea
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Ji So-Yun
Key Players: Ji So-Yun, Jang Sel-Gi, Cho So-Hyun
Style & Preview: This is an overall solid side that has simply been put into a tough group. They feature one of the best players in the tournament, Ji So-Yun. She is one of the better players at the club level in a good Chelsea side. Korea plays an attractive style of footy that has led to many goals in their previous matches. There have been 20 goals in their last 6 friendlies and the tough draw can maybe see to more being added to that tally. Their recent results have been inconsistent but this is a side that I think will be easy to root for. The star talent coupled with young players will be interesting to watch.
Expected Penalty Taker: Ji So-Yun
GROUP B
China
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Shuang Wang
Key Players: Shuang Wang, Li Ying, Wang Shanshan
Style & Preview: A team with some very nice talent led by Wang Shuang who is an incredible player and takes almost everything for this team, she plays for PSG at the club level, and is already approaching 100 caps for the national team. China has had success in the World Cup, only failing to qualify once in 2011, and have made it to at least the quarterfinals every other time. Spain and Germany will surely not take this match lightly and China can make some noise. They have a strong chance at making it out of the group stage if they can get a result against one of those two sides, and take care of business against South Africa. They will be very interesting to watch and hopefully they can find success.
Expected Penalty Taker: Shuang Wang
Germany
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Dzsenifer Marozsan, Carolin Simon
Key Players: Dzsenifer Marozsan, Alexandra Popp, Carolin Simon
Style & Preview: The number 2 team in Fifa’s World Rankings and the 3rd best odds to win the Cup will be somewhat of a question mark with a new manager at the helm. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is the new coach and has only had 4 matches with her new squad. She has experimented with both a back 4 and a back 3 so we’ll have to wait until Saturday to know how they’ll lineup. The focal point of the attack is Dzsenifer Marozsan having scored 32 goals in her 90 Caps. She and Carolin Simon shared taking corners in their last friendly before the WC. The target of those crosses usually is Alexandra Popp who could end up being Germany’s top goal scorer.
Expected Penalty Taker: Dzsenifer Marozsan
South Africa
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana
Key Players: Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Mothlalo, Lebogang Ramalepe
Style & Preview: First noteworthy piece on South Africa is their draw. China, Germany, and Spain are all technically clinical sides, which South Africa struggle to contain mightily. They actually have a respectable defense, and a few decent attacking players, but given the strength of this group, it’ll be tough for them to even scrounge up a point. They’ll be dominated every match, so we won’t look here much for fantasy, but fullback Lebogang Ramalepe is pretty talented both up and down the pitch. She’s an avid crosser but doesn’t take set pieces. Linda Mothlalo is probably the attacker with the most potential in the next decade or so, but for now the attack is squared around Thembi Kgatlana. She takes some set pieces and the team is extremely dependent on her play. Shut her down, South Africa likely doesn’t score.
Expected Penalty Taker: Linda Mothlalo
Spain
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Jennifer Hermoso, Victoria Losada
Key Players: Jennifer Hermoso, Victoria Losada, Maria Leon
*Style & Preview: This Spain side is basically consisted of all of the Barcelona squad. They play an insanely possessive based system, just as the Spanish men do. Strike force of Jennifer Hermoso and Mariona Caldentey are very solid players, likely scoring a handful of goals apiece this World Cup. Victoria Losada is an integral part of their side and shares set pieces with the star attacker, Hermoso. They have a sturdy defense as well, spear-headed by world class center back in Irene Paredes. She has an eye for goal, scoring 4 goals in the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Maria Leon plays a strict CB role for her club, but with country, she shifts wide left and does a good job doing it.
Expected Penalty Taker: Jennifer Hermoso
GROUP C
Australia
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Emily van Egmond
Key Players: Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord
Style & Preview: The number 6 team in the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is coming into the World Cup with some confidence that they can bring the trophy home. Captain & star striker Sam Kerr is fresh off a 2018 campaign where she led the NWSL in goals with 16. Australia has been very consistent scoring goals since November playing decent competition in each match and scoring 19 goals in their last 6 matches. Conceding goals has also been a problem for this side though. They’re the favorites in a tough group for good reason; we should expect an entertaining bit of futbol from them.
Expected Penalty Taker: Sam Kerr
Brazil
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Marta, Debinha, Andressa Alves
Key Players: Marta, Bia Zaneratto, Debinha
Style & Preview: Marta, Marta, Marta.. She’s been the heart and soul of Brazil for years upon years, and this year is no different. Now old and wise, she’ll be more relied upon than ever. But there are real concerns surrounding this Brazilian team, in defense especially. To make matters worse, the aging Marta has a slight knock going in. They should be able to produce goals with the firepower of Marta, Zaneratto, and Debinha, but overall this Brazilian team may have one too many question marks.
Expected Penalty Taker: Marta
Italy
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Manuela Giugliano
Key Players: Barbara Bonansea, Cristiana Girelli, Alia Guagni
Style & Preview: Fun side! Possibly sleepers to boot with loads of star power in Bonansea & Girelli. The two Juventus attackers will most definitely be involved in the goals Italia scores, and I’m hopeful they get a load of them. Manuela Giugliano is a decent attacker, but what stands out on her front is the fact that she takes almost every corner that Italy collects. She’s kind of like a Granit Xhaka type of player. She’ll be interesting if priced cheaply to start. Alia Guagni is a great talent and should bomb up the flank from the right back position, hopefully lifting in a fair amount of crosses. Overall, the interested will be vested in the studs of Bonansea and Girelli.
Expected Penalty Taker: Cristiana Girelli
Jamaica
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Marlo Sweatman, Dominique Bond-Flasza
Key Players: Bunny Shaw, Jody Brown
Style & Preview: Realistically, it’s going to be a tough ask to get behind this team. Bunny Shaw is the head honcho – a true star in the making currently playing at the University of Tennessee and could even make a move to Europe after this tournament. They’ll have to be very counter attack minded and make the most of their chances. Against nations like Italy and Brazil, I could see Bunny getting a goal or two in total, but her floor will be low regardless. Jody Brown is an exciting winger and Marlo Sweatman is the main set piece taker from a deepish midfield role, but like I said, clicking the button on these options in DFS will be a tough ask.
Expected Penalty Taker: Bunny Shaw
GROUP D
Argentina
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Estefania Banini, Mariana Larroquette
Key Players: Estefania Banini, Florencia Bonsegundo
Style & Preview: Whatever attack they can muster up flows through Estefania Banini. Argentina’s heart beats with Banini’s, just as the Argentinian men’s heart beats with Leo Messi’s. Sadly, Banini is not Messi, but she’s still a pretty solid talent. Argentina will be dominated in every match and probably end up going home with zero points.
Expected Penalty Taker: Estefania Banini
England
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Toni Duggan, Alex Greenwood
Key Players: Fran Kirby, Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead
Style & Preview: A team full of wildly talented attacking players and not enough places for them in the lineup. Toni Duggan is a bit of a mystique as she dominates for one of the best female clubs in Barcelona but sometimes goes missing for her country, especially of late. My money is on her to turn it around, but her struggles lately should not be unrecognized. Fran Kirby fought back a gruesome injury and looks to be all systems go. Nikita Parris and Beth Mead are both very strong players too, and will be fighting for a starting spot. Parris should get the nod at first, but Mead has been sensational. Lastly, these English fullbacks are very good for DFS in Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood. Greenwood isn’t a lock to start but she takes set pieces from the right side of the pitch when on, and Bronze is the outright best right back in the world.
Expected Penalty Taker: Fran Kirby*
Japan
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Emi Nakajima
Key Players: Emi Nakajima, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Kumi Yokomaya
Style & Preview: Champions in 2011, runners-up in 2015, do they have what it takes to have similar success in 2019? The odds seem to indicate they have a chance, they have many players with major experience. They have also faced off against incredible competition of late and that has caused their recent results to look a little bit disappointing, going against sides such as Spain, France, Germany, USA, England, and Brazil. They’ve been tested of late, and while their goal scoring has not been staggering, they’re still a very organized side that can give any side a fit and that can be great in the knockout stage. They have some very good players as well such as Emi Nakajima who should be an asset for DFS purposes. Japan will be a very interesting team to track this Summer.
Expected Penalty Taker: Kumi Yokomaya
Scotland
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Caroline Weir, Kim Little
Key Players: Erin Cuthbert, Kim Little
Style & Preview: Probably a bit of a frustrating side for DFS. Both of their set piece takers in Kim Little and Caroline Weir play in deeper midfield roles, which gives them decent floors but also limits their upside a bit. The young gal of Erin Cuthbert has received high praise by many and should be one to watch. She’s expected to lead the line and could turn up with a goal scoring barrage against a team like Argentina. The star is Kim Little who is arguably the best passer in the World. She’ll take some set pieces, but I’m unsure how good she’ll be for DFS. Will be an interesting one for sure. They could sneak out of the group, but my expectations are tempered.
Expected Penalty Taker: Kim Little*
GROUP E
Cameroon
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Gabrielle Onguene
Key Players: Gabrielle Onguene, Christine Manie
Style & Preview: They enjoy attacking football but being a minnow type side, possession will be hard to come by despite playing in a rather weak group. They were able to advance past the group stage in the 2015 World Cup and much of that squad is still intact. Gabrielle Onguene is the star player on the right wing and should take most set pieces; although center back Christine Manie takes direct free kicks and penalties, which is quite rare. Apparently, in Cameroon she’s known as Roberto Carlos because of her goal prowess in big matches (a Brazilian legend, retired defender). In their match against New Zealand, some of these players could become assets for fantasy, but they’re likely to be dominated against Canada and the Dutch.
Expected Penalty Taker: Christine Manie
Canada
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Janine Beckie, Jessie Fleming
Key Players: Christine Sinclair, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence
Style & Preview: Christine Sinclair now has 282 caps and 181 goals. Enough said? Enough said. The 36 year old is once again expected to lead the line for the Canadians and their hopes are rather high this time around. The defense is rock solid and their brand is to grind you down and take what they can get. The classy midfield creation of Jesse Fleming should aid Sinclair enough to make a decent run in this competition.
Expected Penalty Taker: Christine Sinclair
Netherlands
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Sherida Spitse
Key Players: Sherida Spitse, Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens
Style & Preview: Coming into the World Cup with some great form outscoring 3 World Cup sides 12-0 in their last 3 friendlies and come into their group as favorites to win it. The group itself isn’t strong and Netherlands should thrive. With some great attacking players like Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens, and Shanice Van de Sanden as their front 3, you can expect some fireworks from this side. They have a chance to do well, and are an incredibly young side with only 2 players in their 30’s making the squad. This will be one of the more interesting teams to watch during this tournament and they could very well make some noise against anyone they may play.
Expected Penalty Taker: Sherida Spitse
New Zealand
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Hannah Green, Annalie Longo
Key Players: Sarah Gregorius, Betsy Hassett
Style & Preview: They’re not expected to make too much noise in the World Cup, but they do have a weakish group and can take advantage of it. They just beat England a few days ago and are coming into the summer with some confidence. Scoring goals are something they have been in a constant struggle with, scoring only 4 goals in their last 7 matches, However, their defense has shown up nicely during that time span as well in some games. While they’re a team that will need their defense to perform to stay into games and compete, they do have some decent players like Sarah Gregorius and Annalie Longo up top that can be appealing in DFS, as well as left back Hannah Green when in. Their first test will be against the group favorites Netherlands and will be a good litmus test on how New Zealand will fare this World Cup.
Expected Penalty Taker: Ria Percival
GROUP F
Chile
Projected Finish (betting odds): 3rd
Set Piece Takers: Karen Araya, Yessenia Lopez, (Rocia Soto, Francisca Lara – not locks to start but have taken corners when in – both are fullbacks)
Key Players: Christiane Endler, Yessenia Araya
Style & Preview: The Chileans struggle greatly to hold possession. They should be absolutely dominated by USA and Sweden; the match with Thailand being a toss-up. Arguably the best keeper in Women’s soccer, Christine Endler will be relied on heavily to keep goals out, but given how weak they are as a whole, conceding will be inevitable. Team captain Karen Araya is the holding presence of the team and by far the most key player. She contributes to the attack when in possession, but they likely won’t have many of those spells until they face Thailand.
Expected Penalty Taker: Karen Araya
Sweden
Projected Finish (betting odds): 2nd
Set Piece Takers: Kosovare Asllani, Jonna Andersson
Key Players: Kosovare Asllani, Sofia Jakobsson, Caroline Seager
Style & Preview: A very good side with lots of talent and ability to make noise during this Summer’s tournament. Th Swedes have some impressive results in the last calendar year with a win over England in November, Norway in October, and narrow defeats to Germany and Italy. By watching a couple games you really see that Kosovare Asllani is a very skillful player who also takes set pieces and could be a nice DFS commodity throughout their few matches. They have a nice style of play and think they should get through the group without too much concern despite a tough match against the USA, but Chile and Thailand are rather weak and will provide good opportunities for Sweden to do well in the group stages.
Expected Penalty Taker: Caroline Seager
Thailand
Projected Finish (betting odds): 4th
Set Piece Takers: Silawan Intamee, Suchawadee Nildhamrong
Key Players: Kanjana Sungngoen, Suchawadee Nildhamrong
Style & Preview: Thailand gets put into an extremely tough group with Sweden and the USA, they’d be fortunate to win a game in this year’s World Cup. They have the worst odds to win the tournament. With a nation this small and not many statistics to find out information, you have to rely on some scattered YouTube highlights and old information. Getting to watch the France-Thailand friendly is clear that though it is an unfair matchup, they did not possess the ball much at all and really struggled to get anything going offensively. They have a few good talents like Kanjana Sungngoen and Suchawadee Nildhamrong, but this will be a very tough group for them.
Expected Penalty Taker: Sudarat Chucheun*
USA
Projected Finish (betting odds): 1st
Set Piece Takers: Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath
Key Players: Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe
Style & Preview: There have been seven Women World Cups, and every single time, the United States has finished in the top three. Unparalleled success across the board, and they are the betting favorites to repeat their performance from 2015, and why not? They have the talent with star attackers like Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Megan Rapinoe, they have the experience, and they have a relatively easy group to start out and be fully ready when the knockout stage arrives. However there are some concerns at the fullback spot and the offense has been lackluster at times in previous matches, but they are the favorites for a reason. The selection by Jill Ellis each time the USWNT takes the field will be a big deal, and the quest to repeat will be extremely difficult, but also the most compelling storyline of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Here’s to hoping that it happens!
Expected Penalty Taker: Alex Morgan