World Cup: Group by group

FIFA world rankings can be used as a guideline to gauge how your team might fair at this summer’s Women’s World Cup, but everyone know it’s not a tournament without underdogs and the inevitable upsets.

The Star breaks down who we think will survive longer than the guaranteed three games:

GROUP A

Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, China PR

There’s no reason host country Canada shouldn’t come out on top in Group A.

The real contest will be for runnerup. With the glory days of China PR long over, New Zealand and Netherlands will battle for second. The Kiwis’ experience will come out on top despite the influence of rising Dutch star Vivianne Miedema.

GROUP B

Germany, Norway, Thailand, Côte D’Ivoire

World No. 1 Germany should have no trouble winning Group B, even though they’re missing FIFA’s player of the year and captain Nadine Kessler because of injury. Norway should also slip through without much effort; though they should expect a loss to the Germans.

GROUP C

Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador

Defending champs Japan will ease their way through Group C, with 19thranked Switzerland squeaking into the round of 16 in second spot. Like in Group D, Cameroon’s man-marking style could pose a threat to Ecuador.

GROUP D

Sweden, USA, Nigeria, Australia

Though ranked second in the world, the Americans could struggle through the aptly named Group of Death, as striker Alex Morgan is only expected to play a bit part through the first couple games.

GROUP E

Brazil, Spain, Korea Republic, Costa Rica

Brazil should have no problem scoring their way to first place in Group E. La Rojas, spurred by the combination of the momentum of their first Women’s World Cup and midfielder Vero Boquete’s tidy attacking play, should proceed to their first round of 16.

GROUP F

France, England, Mexico, Colombia France and England should go through in first and second, though things could change at the hands of Mexican goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago.