With a couple days to go before the start of the Women's World Cup it is time for a Posts By Panos tradition as we present the first edition of the Women's World Cup Power Rankings. Enjoy!
Sidenote: Odds are given as a multiplier and were taken from www.betbrain.com
1. Germany (Odds To Win - 2.10)
The Germans are the two-time defending champions and with the tournament being played at home they must be considered the favorites.
2. United States (Odds To Win - 7.00)
Even if the Americans have not won the World Cup since 1999, they are still one of the top teams in the world and will be buoyed by their recent Olympic gold medals.
3. Brazil (Odds To Win - 7.00)
One could argue that Brazil and the United States could flip flop positions but based on pedigree the Brazilians are dropped to the third position because of their inability to win the big tournament.
4. Sweden (Odds To Win - 18.75)
The Swedes are bringing a younger group to Germany and although they might be overlooked in their group with the United States, they are still a dangerous team.
5. Japan (Odds To Win - 29.75)
The Japanese are the ultimate team because of their emphasis on team play and the lack of any truly global star. However, I would not be surprised if they surprise in this tournament and make a semi-final appearance.
6. Canada (Odds To Win - 51.00)
Canada, while being the Posts By Panos favorite, are a young team that have been rapidly improving in the past year under Caroline Morace. Anything beyond the semi-finals should be deemed a success.
7. England (Odds To Win - 26.50)
England have had some fantastic results in the pre-tournament friendlies and in a group with Japan they have a good chance of topping the group.
8. Norway (Odds To Win - 31.50)
Norway is the forgotten super power at the World Cup, and although this edition of the squad is not as talented as one's in the past, they still could surprise.
9. France (Odds To Win - 28.50)
France are one of the rising European teams due to the success of the club team Lyon and could present some difficulties to Germany and Canada in group play.
10. North Korea (Odds To Win - 59.00)
I believe that North Korea will probably exert most of their energy against the United States and might be worn down for matches against Sweden and Columbia.
11. Australia (Odds To Win - 111.00)
Even though Australia are the reigning Asian Cup champions they will be in tough against Brazil and Norway and probably won't make it to the second round.
12. Mexico (Odds To Win - 251.00)
Even with a victory against the United States in the qualifying tournament the Mexicans will be hard pressed to advance to the knockout stages.
13. Nigeria (Odds To Win - 451.00)
The African champions are in a very difficult group with Germany, Canada and France. Nigeria should focus on developing their younger players during this tournament in preparation for 2015.
14. Colombia (Odds To Win - 301.00)
Columbia is bringing a younger squad to the World Cup and are best served like Nigeria to use this experience as a learning tool in preparation for 2015.
15. New Zealand (Odds To Win - 401.00)
New Zealand, as the Oceania champion, qualified for the World Cup with relative ease, it's a shame that ease won't continue for the Lady Kiwis.
16. Equatorial Guinea (Odds To Win - 501.00)
Even with the help of men Equatorial Guinea are the biggest long shot at this tournament, and now that those men have been discovered to be men, well the odds have gotten longer.
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