Women’s World Cup 2023: Group B players to watch

All eyes will be on co-hosts Australia at the upcoming Women's World Cup to see if they can progress from Group B.

The Matildas will want to bounce back from their heartbreak in 2019, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway in a penalty shootout.

Canada will be expected to show off their Olympic form from Tokyo where they won gold.

Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland won't be pushovers either, with the former having experience of making it to the round of 16 in 2019, and the latter wanting to make a splash in their debut tournament.

Here are 90min's players to watch from Group B.

1. Sam Kerr - Australia

No surprise here. Sam Kerr isn't just a player to watch from Group B, but she's the player among all the teams.

Kerr is also one of our picks to be high up on the Golden Boot list given her impressive scoring rate. Sixty-three goals for Australia in 120 appearances and 90 goals for club-side Chelsea at a rate of 0.78 goals per appearance are stats that only reiterate how lethal she is.

Defenders all across the world have tried numerous methods to stop her, and it just hasn't worked out for them.

As Australia’s captain and all-time leading scorer, she'll be looked upon to guide this team to glory in front of a home crowd. And her experiences, which include claiming six top-scorer awards across three separate leagues in three different continents, should bode well when the Matildas need a last-minute goal.

2. Ashley Lawrence - Canada

A picture of Ashley Lawrence is what should come up every time you look up the term modern-day full back.

Lawrence, who used to play in midfield, not only excels defensively but also adds a potent attacking threat. Her abilities to make dangerous runs down the flanks, deliver pinpoint crosses into the box and stifle opposing players have become her trademark.

With 105 caps since her international debut in 2013, Lawrence has become a vital component of the Canadian team.

During the team's Olympics win, Lawrence played 591 out of a possible 600 minutes. Canada will rely on her just as much as they face their formidable Group B opponents.

3. Julia Grosso - Canada

Julia Grosso's name will forever be associated with Canada's historic gold medal victory at the Olympics after her goal in a dramatic penalty shootout sealed the triumph.

At the time of her Olympic heroics, Grosso was still playing university football in the US. However, her outstanding performances in Tokyo caught the attention of Juventus.

She's helped the Italian club win four trophies, including a league title, while winning Serie A midfielder of the year in her first full season.

Grosso's role as a holding midfielder is crucial for Canada. She excels in retaining possession and linking up play while her exceptional vision adds a creative spark to the team.

While Grosso will always be remembered for her decisive penalty, she has a golden opportunity this summer to solidify her status as one of Canada's biggest talents.

4. Asisat Oshoala - Nigeria

The unprecedented five-time African Women Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

Eight years ago, she led Nigeria to the final of the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup, going agonisingly close to clinching the trophy against Germany.

Since then, Oshoala has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including three continental titles with the Super Falcons and numerous individual and club honours.

When she's dominating at Barcelona, her speed and flair allow her to be a dynamic and lethal striker.

While primarily recognised as a forward throughout her career, Oshoala has showcased her versatility by seamlessly transitioning into an attacking midfielder for Nigeria, a role she may take in her third World Cup.

5. Katie McCabe - Republic of Ireland

Ireland captain Katie McCabe has said she is more than ready to lead her team into their first major tournament.

McCabe was recently named in the UEFA Women's Champions League team of the year, making her the only non-Barcelona or Wolfsburg player on the list.

Her performances and consistency for Arsenal are second to none, and her natural leadership qualities have been evident time and time again.

The 27-year-old's commitment was best exemplified when she left the Emirates after Arsenal's 2-0 victory against Bayern in the Champions League in a boot and on crutches, only to play a few days later against Manchester City and unleash a rocket of a goal as the Gunners came from behind to win 2-1.

Her evolution into one of the game's top attacking full-backs along with her never-give-up attitude will give Ireland the lift they need this summer.

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