Women's World Cup - Group B guide: free-scoring Germans primed for good progress

Germany

Manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg has been in charge since November, but the Germans have a young team who will be confident of replicating their country's excellent World Cup record. They have failed to reach the semi-finals just twice in seven tournaments and were the highest scorers in European qualification.
Coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg
Key player Alexandra Popp

China

The Steel Roses have reached the quarter-finals in three of the last four World Cups and were the first team other than the hosts to book their place in France. They fell to a last-minute Japanese goal in the final of last year's Asian Games and hopes are high that significant investment in the domestic game can boost performances.
Coach Jia Xiuquan
Key player Wang Shuang

Spain

They made their debut in the last World Cup but failed to get through the group stage. However, their Under-19 and Under-17 teams won their European Championships last year and they won all eight of their qualification matches, so they could make a big impression.
Coach Jorge Vilda
Key player Jennifer Hermoso

South Africa

This is the first time South Africa have booked their place in the finals and they were runners-up in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Nigeria in the final on penalties. However, this could prove to be an educational experience for Banyana Banyana.
Coach Desiree Ellis
Key player Thembi Kgatlana

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