Preview: South Korea and Spain take to France

South Korea

Spain

Spain

Spain made its Women’s World Cup debut in Canada in 2015, and while many expected them to be a darkhorse in the tournament, Spain disappointed, exiting in the group stage after a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica was followed up with losses to Brazil and South Korea.

This year in France, the road appears to be a little easier for Spain. While being put in the same group as Germany alone makes it tough, the rest of the group appears to be rather easier with China and South Africa. Still don’t look for Spain to be taking anything for granted after its poor showing in Canada.

Players to watch

While Vero Boquete is not on the squad, Spain still has some very talented players on its squad. Its leading scorer currently on the team is forward Jennifer Hermoso (28 goals). Spain’s scoring though looks like it will come from the midfield, which features Victoria Losada (13 goals), Alexia Putellas (13 goals) and Amanda Sampedro (11 goals). Spain also has one player currently playing in the NWSL, Celia Jimenez, right back for Reign FC.

FC Barcelona looks to be well represented on the squad, as 10 players, including Losada and Putellas, are from the team that finished second in Spain’s Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino and Champions League. The team with the next most players after Barcelona; Athletico Madrid, with five.