Here we go, we are back again with some more players to watch throughout the World Cup. Last time we took a look at groups A & B so we are moving onto groups C & D which once again hosts a lot of talent with some players getting the chance to really stand out for their nation and play a key part in any progression. There are a nice mix of teams in these groups which host players that fans may be well aware of and also players that have a chance to really make a name for themselves. So here are those players to keep watch in groups C & D...
Group C
Ona Batlle - Spain
It is no secret that Spain have been having their issues off the pitch recently and this world cup is going to be a bit different for them with some big name players missing out due to them refusing selection until those ongoing issues get resolved. The Spanish player we will be keeping a close eye on this summer is going to be Ona Batlle. Batlle impressed us in the WSL but has since signed for Barcelona so I am sure she will be wanting to use this tournament to impress her new boss. Batlle will definitely help Spain on the attack as we know she can drive forward with that ball and even take a shot when needed. She will also be crucial in getting back and putting the tackles in to stop the opposition just like we saw her do plenty of times in the WSL last season. If she plays anything like she did last season we should see her have an absolutely fantastic competition and help Spain progress out of the group stage.
Raquel Rodriguez - Costa Rica
Raquel 'Rocky' Rodriguez is bound to put on a show this tournament. Costa Rica's all time leading goal scorer is definitely the star of the show when it comes to the Costa Rica team but she let's the football do the talking for her as we are hopefully going to see this summer. She scored in Costa Rica's first orld cup game in 2015 so will we see the same in their opening game this time around? With over 100 caps to her name now are we going to see her goals finally help Costa Rica get out of the group stage for the first time or is the competition still going to be that bit strong for them? Only time will tell however, if her performances are anything like when she plays for the Portland Thorns then us viewers are in for a treat.
Barbra Banda - Zambia
Zambia have definitely surprised a lot of people in the build up to this world cup especially with the send off game victory vs Germany, the team definitely have a lot of potential if they can keep off field issues away from the pitch and one player to keep an eye on is captain Barbra Banda. The nations captain made a huge impact in the recent Olympics scoring 6 goals, the fast, skillful forward has a brilliant ability in front of goal and no doubt we will see her name on the score sheet a fair few times in the group stage if she gets that service from the rest of her team. Zambia are definitely in a difficult group however, if Banda comes into this tournament in fine form we could possibly see an upset or two in this group.
Yui Hasegawa - Japan
Hasegawa is an absolute joy to watch and we have noticed just how good she is since her move to Man City where we have really seen just how crucial she is in midfield. She has definitely previously slipped under the radar previously but really started to stand out in the WSL last season. She filled the hole left by Walsh brilliantly and if she performs like she did for Man City for Japan this summer we could see her being Japan's key player. Hasegawa's ability to read the game and pick that perfect ball is fantastic and that could be crucial for Japan in a tough group.
Group D
Millie Bright - England
The Lionesses are one of the favourites heading into this competition however, they are missing a few key players so those picked are going to have to step up and fill in those gaps to keep the Lionesses progressing through the tournament. One of the players who is going to need to step up is Millie Bright and it is going to be interesting to watch her play this time around as she has the added responsibility of being captain. Bright is taking over the responsibilities from injured Williamson and it is safe to say she has the possibility to make an impact for the Lionesses at the back. Her experience is going to be key alongside those strong challenges we know she is capable of as it is the back line that could prove risky with injuries. Keep an eye on Bright as no doubt she will adapt to the captain role brilliantly and make an impact on the Lionesses performances.
Melchie Dumornay - Haiti
Reims coach Amandine Miguel described Dumornay as the best player she has ever coached which gives us fans the hopes of seeing some fantastic performances from the young Haitian forward. At just 19 years old scored 11 goals in 17 league appearances which is fantastic for the attack minded midfielder, some forwards would even struggle getting stats like that so at 19 it is safe to say Dumornay is full of potential. Apparently she has brilliant passing ability which can put her team into some great positions and she also has great technique on the ball add in being able to score she could be crucial in getting Haiti some points out of a tough group. Having just signed for Lyon I am sure Dumornay will be putting in her best performances to impress her new club.
Katherine Kuhl - Denmark
Kuhl has been refered to being better technically than Harder was at 20 year old which just goes to show the potential the young Danish player holds. We saw in the WSL when Kuhl has the ball her ability to part the defence with a through ball is brilliant and throw in her strength on and off the ball you have a fantastic all round player at a very young age. The youngster has grown into the game with fantastic players playing around her which has certainly helped her progress and we are looking forward to seeing what sort of role she will play this world cup and if she can help Denmark get out of the groups and into the latter stages of the competition.
Shen Mengyu - China
Mengyu is another young player has the potential to have a big impact for her country this summer. At 21 Mengyu is still developing as a player but is already making a name for herself. Playing her club football in Scotland for Scottish giants Celtic she has a taste for goals and has helped Celtic win multiple trophies since joining the club. Another midfielder who can score goals as well as create them with a strong versatility of playing positions, she usually operates centrally but can also sit deep or head out wide if required which again will help with China's progression and if they pick up any points from the group.
Both groups C & D are going to be very interesting to watch with the teams in the groups but these are the 8 players we will be keeping a close eye on as we think they could really make a difference to their nations progression throughout the competition. There are certainly a lot of youngsters in these groups and it is going to be interesting to see how they do on the big stage.
Don't forget if you haven't read group A & B yet you can do so here, and check back soon for the rest of the tournaments groups.
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