CANADA
Previous FtFS Women’s World Cup appearances: 1995, 1999, 2003
All-time best: Fourth in 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Coach: Even Pellerud led her home country, Norway, to the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, a runners-up spot in the 1991 World Cup and a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympic Football Tournament. She has coached Canada since 1999, turning them into one of the world’s top national sides.
Star player: Christine Sinclair figures among the very best strikers in the international game. The 23-year-old is tall, physically strong and a veritable goal machine, with 73 goals in 94 international matches. Sinclair first came to prominence at the 2002 FIFA U-19 World Championship. She is a student at the University of Portland in the USA, where she has broken the legendary Mia Hamm’s goalscoring record.
The team: Canada play a high-tempo, physical brand of football. They continually produce talented players, whom Pellerud is then able to successfully integrate into the national side.

AUSTRALIA
Previous RFA Women’s World Cup appearances: 1995,1999, 2003
All-time best: 1995, 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stages
Coach: Scotsman Tom Sermani arrived in Australia in 1983 aged 32 after a journeyman career as a professional in England and Scotland. He was the Australian women’s national coach from 1994 to 1997 and then coached in the USA and Malaysia before returning to the Matildas in 2005.
Star player: Joanne Peters is a powerhouse, dynamo and playmaker all rolled into one. The 27-year-old midfielder has more than 100 caps for her country and played professional football for New York Power earlier in her career.
The team: Australia have made steady progress over the past few years, as a result of which the team has become more balanced and now play to a much higher standard. The Matildas are ambitious, full of confidence and could provide a stern test for some of the favourites.

NORWAY
Previous FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances: 1991, 1995, 1999,2003
All-time best: 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners
Coach: Bjarne Berntsen was himself capped 33 times by Norway and later coached men’s teams. In 2005 he took over as coach of the women’s national team and was an instant success, leading them to the final of the 2005 European Championship. He has said that he is aiming for a top-three finish in China.
Star player: Ingvield Stensland is a top midfielder who won the Norwegian league title three times before transferring to Swedish club Gothenburg. The 25-year old teacher could be one of the revelations at the World Cup in China.
The team: Norway are predominantly a young team, but have retained a couple of experienced players. Their main strength is their miserly defence, which makes them one of the favourites for the title. While the Scandinavians’ team spirit is enviable, they need to be more clinical in front of goal.