Three years into Vlatko Andonovski's tenure as USWNT boss and there are possibly more questions than answers around the squad. A pair of losses in Europe (against England and Spain) last month has highlighted the fragility of the once-dominant side, as uncertain wins throughout the rest of the year that papered over the cracks that became the first back-to-back losses endured by the team since the 2017 SheBelieves Cup (where they lost to England and France.
In the third playoff group, Portugal (No. 23) await the winner of Cameroon (No. 58) vs. Thailand (No. 41), which gives more weight to the friendly pair of matches Senegal and Cameroon will play in Dakar -- both African nations are two matches from a place at the World Cup, but neither are considered favourites. This window is the last chance for nations like Senegal and Cameroon to work on their shortcomings before they attempt to join the fun next summer in Australia and New Zealand.
Other teams looking for tests in EuropeStill looking for their feet under coach Futoshi Ikeda, Japan are once again in Europe this month as they face England (Friday) and Spain (Tuesday), the latter the last team they'll meet in their World Cup group at the end of July. Not quite the team they were since winning the 2011 World Cup, the departure of coach Asako Takakura after five fruitless years has given Nadeshiko the chance to hit reset once more.
Philippines, Colombia vs. Zambia, Jamaica vs. Paraguay, Senegal vs. Cameroon and New Zealand vs. South Korea all on the slate for two head-to-head games over the coming week as well. Although they're maybe not the matches that would have you traditionally wanting to watch, with six of the eight nations already qualified and the other two of Chile and Paraguay in the playoffs, there should be plenty of excitement around the four clashes. The lowest-ranked nation at the tournament next summer -- unless Cameroon, ranked 84th by FIFA, qualify through their playoff group -- Zambia (No.
)With a wealth of talent coming through the pipelines as always, the biggest challenge for Andonovski isn't about choosing the right XI to play, but about getting those on the pitch to find the harmony and belief that has seen the U. win four World Cup titles. - Women's World Cup bracket and fixtures scheduleUp against a Germany team who only just reached the final of the Euros in England this summer -- a match they lost in extra time to hosts, England -- the No. 1 ranked team in the world will have to out-play their opposition, something they've struggled with over the past few years. For Germany, who very nearly added to their record eight European titles but lost to England in the final in the summer, their trip across the pond is much more about producing performances that speak to the quality available in their team. Much like her opposite number, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting players, but where she differs from Andonovski, the Germany head coach is a little more reticent about making changes when needed during matches.
81) delighted novice audiences with their fearless play at the Olympics last year, though they need experience against teams outside Africa as they ready themselves for their first World Cup. Opting to face Colombia (No. 27), who featured at two of the last three World Cups, should provide a stern test and should help the Copper Queens when it comes to playing teams from Latin America as Costa Rica were drawn in their World Cup group. The same ought to be true for Colombia, who will be given a boost playing a CAF team, with fellow African debutantes Morocco (No.
Form and head to head stats Mali vs Zambia - Sky Sports
(FAZ) Zambian Women's Football - Facebook
Watch Online Colombia (W) vs Zambia (W) 12-11-2022
Up against a U. side that will start with as much talent on the bench as on the pitch, reaction will be as vital as action for the Europeans and for Voss-Tecklenburg, who waited until the very last second to go to her bench when she needed to at the Euros. This feisty double-header will require her to be more proactive in her management.
Colombia vs Zambia live score, H2H and lineups - Sofascore