With France’s 4-0 win over South Korea to kick off the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s time to look at the double-digit players from the Barcelona Femení taking part in the tournament. The total of Femení players is 15, and Carolina Graham Hansen of Norway’s signing on July 1st from Wolfsburg technically means it’s 16.
France aren’t bringing any Barcelona Femení players, but maybe they should have. Kheira Hamraoui will miss out on the World Cup after getting a look in March. Prior to her call-ups a few months ago, 29-year-old Hamraoui hadn’t featured for Les Bleues since October of 2016, so her exclusion is only a surprise based on her recent form for the Femení. The fact that she loses out to a number of Lyon players makes the exclusion even less surprising.
Nigeria
The Super Falcons have long been the dominant force in African football, winning nine of eleven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. This winning doesn’t tell the whole story, however, as the Nigeria Football Federation has long been criticized for disorganization and completely underfunded efforts to help the women’s side. They have missed out on vital tournament preparation, playing few games over the last few years, but Nigeria will go about as far as Asisat Oshoala will take them. Oshoala was loaned to Barcelona from China in the spring and recently signed on permanently after her goal in the Champions League Final. At Barcelona, she scored seven goals in seven league games and Nigeria would do well to provide their lone striker (they play a 4-5-1) plenty of service.
Spain
Much like the men’s Spain squads that dominated the international scene a decade ago, this incarnation of Spain’s World Cup squad would be nowhere without two teams. Unlike the men that were made up largely of Barcelona and Real Madrid, the women’s side consists of fifteen of the twenty-three players coming from Barcelona or Atlético Madrid. Barcelona contributes Leila Ouahabi, Vicky Losada, Marta Torrejón, Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas, Patricia Guijarro, Sandra Paños, María Pilar “Mapi” León, Aitana Bonmatí and Andrea Pereira.
Caldentey and Putellas on the wings, Losada in the midfield, team captain Torrejón and León on the back-line and Paños in goal should all get heavy minutes in the tournament for La Roja. Oddly enough, Barcelona’s players could be seen as the more complementary pieces for the team. Former Barcelona and current Atlético striker Jenni Hermoso will lead the line while Atlético’s Silvia Meseguer and Montpellier’s Virginia Torrecilla are the engines and play-makers in the midfield.
While Spain’s hopes of advancing far in the tournament certainly won’t rest on her shoulders, Patricia Guijarro might have the most to gain at the World Cup. The 21-year-old missed some time this season due to injury, but Jorge Vilda put her on the roster knowing that she has the confidence to turn a game if called up. Her powerful, long-range shots and tireless nature could come in handy against an opponent like Germany. As the top scorer and the player of the tournament at the 2017 U-19 Euros, it may not be that surprising if Guijarro takes that next step this summer and never looks back.
The other Spanish youngster of note is Bonmatí, who may see the field more than Guijarro. The 21-year-old attacking midfield has already played more than 50 times for the Barcelona Femení and her versatility to also play in central midfield or out on the right wing may give her an opportunity to showcase her quickness and terrific decision-making as an option off the bench.
Brazil
All eyes for Brazil will be on Formiga, who could play in a record seventh major international tournament, having made her debut at the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup as a 17-year-old. Now 41, her presence off the field will surely be a bigger role for her on the field than off it.
Along with Brazil legend Marta, Brazil has an experienced roster looking to make good on a generation of talent. 26-year-old Andressa Alves is on the younger side on the roster, a clear indication of the intent of the squad. Alves will most likely start as the attacking midfielder behind the forwards, a position that she has also played with Barcelona on occasion. The older names on the roster will get more attention, but in her second World Cup it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alves makes some waves.
England
Toni Duggan will help lead the attack for an England side that may be number three in the world, but certainly have their recent issues with consistency. In a group with Japan, Scotland and Argentina, every point and every match could decide whether or not the team advances far enough to try to best their third place finish in 2015.
Throughout qualifying, where they outscored their opponents by a staggering 29-1 margin, England displayed why they should be the favorite in their group. Duggan’s combinations with Jodie Taylor will be paramount to the team’s success.
Netherlands
In 2017 Lieke Martens enjoyed a breakout season that made her the top player in the game as the Netherlands won the UEFA Women’s Euro’s, led by the talented winger. Just like at Barcelona, Martens is given carte blanche to go one-on-one against defenders and be an all-around terror to defenses. Alongside Lyon’s Shanice van de Sanden and Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema, the attack for the Netherlands is as potent as any in the tournament.
While the Oranje may not need to worry about their offense, Stefanie van der Gragt will lead the defense that has a drawn a few more concerns. That said, the Netherlands are the heavy favorite in their group and have high expectations for a talented generation of players.
