(CNN Spanish) — ‘Greatness without limits’ is the motto of the Australia-New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup, a competition that FIFA is organizing in its ninth edition. That magnificence is what the 32 participating teams will be looking for between 20 July and 20 August.
The big event, which will take place for the first time in two countries of two confederations – Australia (Asian Football Confederation) and New Zealand (Oceania Football Confederation), – will see as many as 8 countries participating in the big event for the first time: Morocco, Portugal, Haiti, Panama, the Republic of Ireland, Zambia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Of the 32 selected, 12 will be led by female trainers. Three techniques that have managed to become world champions stand out, such as Germany’s Tina Theune (Germany in the United States 2003) and Silvia Neid (Germany in China 2007) and the English-American Jill Ellis, who led the United States to the titles of the World Cups in Canada 2015 and France 2019.
Powerful Brazil, which has never won a World Cup in the women’s division, brought in Sweden’s Pia Sundhage as DT to take on that challenge. The prestigious technique won two Olympic gold medals by leading the United States team.
A power like France will have a coach who managed to distinguish himself in the World Cup in Qatar 2022. It is the Frenchman Hervé Renard who will lead Saudi Arabia who, with his team making their debut, defeated Argentina 2-1, who she will end up being crowned world champion.
In the eight editions of the major event, the United States is the first winner of the event with four World Cups in its history. Germany follows with two, then Norway and Japan, each with a world cup.
The competition will have 64 matches and 23 entrants per representative, with the USA, Germany, Brazil, France, Sweden, England and Australia as the favorites to win the trophy.
As for the protagonists themselves, we take a look here at a handful of stars from Latin American teams, whom we recommend you follow and enjoy.
Marta, ‘La Pelé con Faldas’, aiming for her first world title with Brazil
She is considered one of the best soccer players in all of history. Called her ‘La Pelé con Faldas’, she has an extraordinarily brilliant technique. She ability in abundance, dexterity in moving, agility in her interventions that impact. Admirable ball handling with both legs, exceptional stage presence and body language, change of pace and furious shooting, even with both legs.
Orlando Pride’s Martha #10 goes out of the game in the second half at Red Bull Arena on May 14, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. Orlando Pride and NJ/JY Gotham FC drew 0-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
At 37, Marta Vieira da Silva arrives in Oceania with the fascinating record of having contested her sixth World Cup. She played and shone in teams from Brazil, Sweden and the United States. You are the winner of several competitions and protagonist of the Olympic Games. The Brazilian footballer managed to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times. She has another super record: she is the player with the most goals at the World Cup, both men’s and women’s, with 17 goals. You are aiming for the greatest goal that has eluded you, the same for your verdeamarelha team, by consecrating yourself as world champion. Brazil is in Group F alongside France, Panama and Jamaica.
Estefanía Banini, ‘La Messi de la Albiceleste’, returns for her last World Cup
He is the undisputed figure of the Argentine team. Her position as creator places her as the key piece of the albiceleste. She has great ball control, outstanding one-on-one technique, intelligent movement, great dribbling and a powerful shot. She has been called “La Messi” of the national team for the brilliance of her game, for wearing the number 10 shirt and for being the leader of her team.
Estefania Banini of Argentina looks on during an international friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium on April 6, 2023 in Cordoba, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
He played for Colo Colo in Chile, Washington Spirit in the United States before moving on to Spanish football. There he played for Valencia, Levante and now stands out for Atlético de Madrid.
Like his team, he has character, personality and a hunger for glory. “I can read the game, I’m skilled, intelligent and mischievous,” said the fine midfielder, who acknowledges Argentina lacks the level of powerful teams, but will be looking to win their first match in a World Cup. In France 2019, Argentina drew two matches and lost one, having a solid performance in the competition, Banini being a key figure in the team. After the World Cup, she had a confrontation with Carlos Borello, coach of the national team, for which she was separated from the squad. He is back with new coach Germán Portanova. He acknowledged that Australia-New Zealand will be his last World Cup. FIFA chose her from the ideal eleven in FIPRO 2020-2021. Argentina are in Group G alongside Italy, South Africa and Sweden.
Linda Caicedo, Colombian talent who shines at Real Madrid
She’s only 18 years old, even though the world of women’s football already knows this midfielder with great dribbling, fascinating game vision, formidable assists and remarkable finishes. In 2022, the Copa América was played in her country, with which Colombia qualified for the World Cup as runners-up, and there Linda Caicedo was chosen as the best player in the competition.
“Football, to me, means passion and love,” says this coffee soccer jewel who, when he turned 18, was acquired by a European giant, such as Real Madrid. Colombia is part of group H together with Morocco, Germany and South Korea.
Marta Cox, Panama’s top star, making her World Cup debut
Her extraordinary ability to play makes her an essential part of your team. He is right-footed, possesses exceptional punches, powerful assists, excellent dribbling and vast talent in the associated game. The midfielder works for Pachuca in Mexico, and has previously done so for clubs in Colombia and the United States.
Panama’s Marta Cox celebrates after scoring against Guatemala during a friendly match at Pinula Contreras stadium, 20km southeast of Guatemala City on February 19, 2021. (Photo by Johan ORDONEZ / AFP) (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP via Getty Images)
The canaleras, as the Panamanian players are known, had a great performance in the 2022 Concacaf Cup. They didn’t directly qualify for the World Cup, but they did so in the playoffs by first defeating Papua New Guinea and then Paraguay. There, this 25-year-old footballer stood out, leading a group of players who made their football visible in a country that does not have the sport as their favourite. Panama is part of group F together with Brazil, France and Jamaica.
Raquel Rodríguez Cedeño, ‘La Rocky’ of the Ticos
His story is burned into the fire in his team, having scored the first goal for Costa Rica in a World Cup. He was at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. The current player of the Portland Thorns of the United States, returns to the top competition after 8 years. Currently, this amazing 29-year-old player is the leader and figurehead of her team. She is dexterous, well handled, talented, with a lot of character, she has great charisma and possesses a fascinating shot. Her first World Cup saw her as a college student. Now she arrives as a consecrated star of women’s soccer in the United States, land of the reigning world champions, who have exalted its remarkable conditions. “We have very high expectations.
Raquel Rodríguez of Costa Rica celebrates after scoring against Panama during their Concacaf 2022 Women’s Championship soccer match, at the Universitario stadium in Monterrey, Nuevo León state, Mexico, on July 5, 2022. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP ) ( Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/ AFP via Getty Images)
I want to go there to compete,” says this midfielder who is returning to a World Cup with her team, whose goal is to pass the group stage for the first time. Costa Rica is in Group C together with Spain, Zambia and Japan.
