World Cup: Group F Preview

Average Group Ranking: 15.5

Average Group Ranking: 15.5

To win the group or not to win the group, that is the question.

While no nation goes out to deliberately loss a match, there is no denying that finishing second in Group F (and avoiding a possible quarter final meeting with Germany) could prove more advantageous for group favourites France and England.

For Colombia and Mexico, it's about being competitive and maybe, with little luck, claiming points from the favourites while making sure to take maximum points from their clash. That formulae could be enough to secure a first ever knockout stage berth.

France

Coach: Philippe Bergeroo

Ranking: 3

Average Age: 25.56

Average Caps: 53.17

Previous World Cups: 2003 (Group), 2011 (4th)

Last 5 matches: W (SCO), W (RUS), W (CAN), L (USA), W (JPN)

Key players: Eugenie Le Sommer (FW), Wendie Renard (DF), Camille Abily (MF), Sarah Bouhaddi (GK)

To paraphrase Yogi Berra 'Football is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.'

While Berra didn't quite get his maths right, the sentiment is one that fits France. With the considerable talent France has been producing in the last decade, a European championship, Olympic Games or World Cup medal has seemed like a mere formality. However Les Bleues have never quite been able to jump the final hurdles.

A new coach, a well balanced team, solid defence and goal heavy attacking third, France have all the ingredients to finally make it onto the podium. Wins against top nations Germany, USA, Japan, Brazil, England and Canada indicate Bergeroo has sorted out the mental side but can they do it on the biggest of international stages?

Graphic Credit: espnW

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England

Coach: Mark Sampson

Ranking: 6

Average Age: 27.88

Average Caps: 61.13

Previous World Cups: 1995 (QF), 2007 (QF), 2011 (QF)

Last 5 matches: L (CAN), W (CHN), W (CAN), D (NED), W (AUS)

Key players: Eni Aluko (FW), Jordan Nobbs (MF), Karen Bardsley (GK), Steph Houghton (DF)

At Germany 2011, England were two minutes, and some change, away from a famous victory over France in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately for the Lionesses the ending was a familiar song for English football; elimination by penalties.

The time period has seen sweeping changes with giant England figures Hope Powell and Kelly Smith leaving the set up. This England team has a fresh feel to them with young manager Mark Sampson bringing in some fresh and returning faces.

One of the most collectively experienced Canada 2015 squads, this could be England's time. The opening match against France will be crucial with a catch-22 situation. Sampson's team have struggled to gain results against the very upper echelon of the women's game so a win over France would be a real boon but it would then also put them in the path of world no. 1 Germany.

Then again, if you want to be the best, you need to beat the best.

Graphic Credit: espnW

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Colombia

Coach: Fabian Taborda

Ranking: 28

Average Age: 24.05

Average Caps: 17.48

Previous World Cups: 2011 (Group)

Last 5 matches: W (CRC), W (ECA), W (ECA), W (VEN), W (VEN)

Key players: Catalina Usme (MF), Ingrid Vidal (FW), Yoreli Rincón (MF), Diana Ospina (MF)

Participants in the last three major tournaments, Colombia is starting to feel at home on the world stage but now is the time to take the next steps.

Finishing second behind Brazil in the Copa América Femenina (WCQ) Las Cafeteras, displayed an ability to be disciplined in defence (shown by draw with Brazil) and creative in attack. Unlike four years ago, Colombia have more of a chance of advancing from the group. Points against England or France and a win against Mexico could be enough for them to reach their first tournament knock out stage.

Graphic Credit: espnW

Mexico

Coach: Leo Cuellar

Ranking: 25

Average Age: 23.84

Average Caps: 23.04

Previous World Cups: 1999 (Group), 2011 (Group)

Last 5 matches: W (CRC), W (CRC), L (USA), W (ITA), D (BEL)

Key players: Teresa Noyola (MF), Monica Ocamp (FW), Veronica Perez (MF), Alina Garciamendez (DF)

Qualifying for back-to-back World Cup tournaments, Mexico are looking to build on the experience of Germany 2011.

This is a Mexican team that has talent with several players lining up regularly in the American NWSL but they have just been unable to get it together consistently. Placing 3rd in March's Cyprus Cup, and beating Italy along the way, has proven that they can be competitive but again consistency is the question. In their 3rd World Cup, El Tricolor has the chance to not only get their first World Cup points and win but to also their tournament off to a winning start.