Women's World Cup Group H predictions: Colombia equipped to make last 16

Both of Germany’s Women’s World Cup triumphs have come outside of Europe and there will be plenty of confidence that they can make a strong push for glory this time after coming so close to winning the Euros last summer.

They come up against three teams who were also defeated in their most recent continental competitions and while Colombia, South Korea and Morocco will be up against it when they face Martina Voss-Tecklenberg’s side, they will also fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Germany hoping to go one better

For all the euphoria that greeted the Lionesses’ Euros success in England, it has to be remembered that Germany could not have run them much closer and they could be even stronger this time.

Voss-Tecklenberg’s side took England to extra-time at Wembley and would think that they could have got the better of the hosts had star striker Alexandra Popp not been struck by injury.

The Wolfsburg forward had already scored six goals in the tournament, so the squad will probably think they have some unfinished business.

Popp will be accompanied by plenty of her clubmates for the trip down under and Voss-Tecklenberg’s striking options are further boosted by the strong form of Bayern Munich’s Lea Schuller, who has scored 31 goals in 47 internationals and netted 14 in 22 games in the Frauen-Bundesliga last term.

They have the pedigree to go all the way in this tournament and it is no surprise to see them at just 1/16 with LiveScore Bet to win the group

South Korea could find things tough

South Korea lost 3-2 in the Asian Cup final against China last year, but they have won just one of their 10 matches at the World Cup and lost all three of their contests four years ago.

They will rely upon former Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun to keep things ticking over but their recent performances have not been convincing.

It would be easy to get carried away with two victories over Zambia and another against Haiti, but they have struggled against classier opposition in Japan, England, Belgium and Italy recently, so it would be a big achievement for them to make the last-16.

Colombia’s physical approach could reap dividends

Colombia’s first game against South Korea will have a huge bearing on their ability to reach the second round and they should be confident after losing the Copa America final to a Brazilian penalty.

They have won two of their last seven games after storming their way to the Copa final, but their squad looks strong with plenty of players who ply their trade in Spain.

Mayra Ramirez scored 14 goals to help Levante into the Champions League and if she can find that sort of form, they have an excellent chance of qualifying, while Real Madrid’s teenage winger Linda Caicedo could make a big impression too.

Morocco cannot be written off

Morocco, who lost in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations at home to South Africa, may not emulate their men’s team and reach the semi-finals, but they could still hold their own in Group H.

They are managed by Reynald Pedros, who led Lyon to two Women’s Champions League triumphs and the fact they earned goalless draws in recent games against Italy and Switzerland suggests they will be no pushover.

Tottenham’s Rosella Ayane is their main goal threat but they could be difficult for Colombia and South Korea to break down.

Group H best bet - Colombia stage of elimination - Round of 16

Colombia look the best equipped side to follow Germany into the knockout stage, but to boost the price it could be a good idea to back them at 11/10 with LiveScore Bet to fall in the last-16.

They would face the winners of a group containing France and Brazil and one of those could prove too tough a test for the Copa America runners-up.

Group H long shots - South Korea to finish bottom of Group H

South Korea face a crucial game against Colombia in their first Group H clash and that could leave them on the back foot.

They have shown recently that they are not much of a match against the mightier teams in women’s football and it seems Morocco have been dismissed too much in Group H by the market, so take a chance that the Koreans will finish bottom of the section at 10/1 with LiveScore Bet.