Women's World Cup 2015: Six key players who have never won a winners' medal, including Marta and Abby Wambach
Being the best in the world doesn't always equate to winning on the world stage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Women's World Cup begins on Saturday as hosts Canada take on China in Group A in front of a sold-out 52,000 at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
Germany enter as favourites, having won the tournament in 2003 and 2007, but it's Japan who arrive as defending champions. Given that neither Brazil nor the United States - or even England, for that matter - have won the World Cup over the last three tournaments, a number of players could be making their final World Cup appearance in a bid to clinch a first winners' medal.
Here, we look at six key players who could land a first world crown.
Marta (Brazil, 29)
Five-time World Player of the Year nicknamed ‘Pele in skirts’. Now 29 but still feared by opponents. Big occasion player with record-equalling 14 World Cup goals. Plays in Sweden.
Abby Wambach (United States, 35)
No longer a guaranteed starter, but the battering-ram centre-forward will have an impact. Highest international goalscorer of all time with 182 goals and 2012 World Player of the Year.
Louisa Necib (France, 28)
Known as the female Zinedine Zidane, being also a No.10 with Algerian ancestry from Marseilles. Champions League winner with Olympique Lyon. Often plays wide for France.
Celia Sasic (Germany, 26)
German-born to a French mother and Cameroonian father took German citizenship at 15 and made international debut a year later. Missed 2007 German triumph through injury.
Ji So-Yun (South Korea, 24)
Voted PFA Women’s Player of the Year for her form with Chelsea last season and a key part of their rise to the top of WSL and into FA Cup final this summer. Maker and taker of goals.
Christine Sinclair (Canada, 31)
Canada’s flag-bearer at the close of the 2012 Olympics such is her status in host nation. Canadian player of the year a dozen times, scorer of 153 international goals.
The tournament begins on Saturday with Canada taking on China, while England get their campaign underway on Tuesday in Moncton against France.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments