CHINA PR
Previous FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances: 1999, 2003
All-time best: Runners-up in 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Coach: Sweden’s Marika Domanski-Lyfors is China’s first ever foreign coach and is assisted by her countrywoman and former star player Pia Sundhage. Domanski-Lyfors, who has a reputation for being tough, inflexible and determined and is one of the best in the business, took over as China’s coach in March 2007 after nine years in charge of Sweden’s women’s team.
Star player: For some years now, Han Duan has been tipped as a successor to the legendary Sun Wen. The 24-year-old striker only took up football after seeing an advertisement in a newspaper. She originally wanted to be a swimmer.
The team: The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup runners-up and seven-time Asian champions have completely rebuilt their team in the last few years. The new-look side have made considerable progress and regularly impressed in their numerous friendlies. The tournament hosts are viewed as dark horses.

BRAZIL
Previous FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances: 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003
All-time best: Third in 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Coach: Jorge Luis Barcellos, who led the Jamaican men’s team to the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ finals, took over from ReneSimoesin 2005. The 51-year-old former history professor at the University of Rio Grande do Sul previously coached the Brazilian women’s U-20 team.
Star player: Marta is currently the world’s best female player. Standing 1.60m tall and weighing in at 56kg, Umea IK’s 21-year-old left-footer has superb technique and could well be the star of this year’s World Cup.
The team: South America’s top-ranked side are keen to finally to make an impression at the Women’s World Cup and Barcello has prepared his team for the tournament in first-class conditions. In terms of talent, Brazil are certainly capable of winning the title, although there is a big question mark hanging over their consistency and ability to convert chances.

GHANA
Previous FlFA women’s World Cup appearances: 1999, 2003
All-time best: 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stages
Coach: Isaac Paha has had two spells as coach of Ghana’s men’s senior side (in 1996 and 2003) and has also worked with various national youth teams. Since 2004, the former international has coached his country’s top women players.
Star player: Adjoa Bayor is the Black Queens’ captain. Standing 1.58m tall, the former African Footballer of the Year makes up for what she lacks in height by playing with great tenacity and heart. The 28-year-old playmaker had a spell playing and studying in the USA in 2003.
The team: Ghana’s strength lies in defence, where goalkeeper Gladys Enti is rock solid. Currently ranked no. 2 in Africa after Nigeria, they are an experienced side, the majority of whose members took part in the 2003 World Cup.