(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-09-14 09:55

The 16 best teams in the world meet in five Chinese cities, beginning Stember 10, 2007, in the fifth Women's World Cup. A points system (three for a win; one for a tie) determines the top two teams that will advance from each four-team group.

Norway

Coach: Bjarne Berntsen

Path to World Cup: The Norwegians won their qualifying group with a plus 19 goal differential. Veteran squad has been energized by two players from the U-19 team — Isabell Herlovsen and Stine Frantzen.

World Cup history: Has played in every event, finishing second in 1991, winning the championship in '95, finishing fourth in '99 and reaching the quarterfinals in 2003.

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Australia

Coach: Tom Sermanni

Path to World Cup: The Matildas qualified by making it to the Asia continental final, but they blew a 2-0 lead against China and lost on penalty kicks to finish second. U-20 World Cup stars Sally Shipard, Collette McCallum and Kylie Ledbrook solidify the roster.

World Cup history: In three appearances (1995-2003) has failed to advance out of group play.

 

Canada

Coach: Even Pellerud

Path to World Cup: Received an automatic berth despite losing the Gold Cup final to the USA on a penalty kick in the final seconds of extra time. Pellerud led his native Norway to the championship in 1995.

World Cup history: Has qualified for every event, its best showing in the 2003 semifinals.

 

Ghana

Coach: Isaac Paha

Path to World Cup: Lost to Nigeria in the African Women's Championship yet again, advancing to China as the runner-up. Adjoa Bayor, the continent's former Footballer of the Year, will have to play well just to finish ahead of rival Nigeria. The captain of the Black Queens is one of three players who will compete in a third Cup. Though still a relatively young squad, almost half of Ghana's players here also were on the team that qualified in 2003.

World Cup history: In two appearances (1999 and 2003) has never made it out of group play.