How did the 32 nations heading down under fair in the first international break of the year?
Some of the top nations thrived as expected, while others still have work to do, and what of the eight nations preparing for a first shot at a World Cup?
February is by no means conclusive when it comes to judging the outcome of a major final which is still six months away, but it is the first sign of perhaps where some nations are at with only a few more camps to prepare for the 2023 World Cup.
It’s also a good break to analyse because it’s filled with big matches which could easily be replicated in the latter stages in Australia and New Zealand this summer, and it also saw the final three nations in Haiti, Portugal and Panama book their spots, bringing the amount of first time qualifiers to eight - a quarter of the tournament.
So, how did everyone get on during a busy February window and who will be a bit nervous about the work they still have to do?
Ordered by FIFA ranking
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USA - SheBelieves Cup. 2-0 win vs Canada, 1-0 win vs Japan, 2-1 win vs Brazil
The defending world champions didn’t put down what you could describe as an ominous marker, but the fact they are still finding their way under Vlatko Andonovski and still dispatched three top ranked side will worry their competitors.
Until the 90th minute against Brazil they hadn’t conceded a goal which is one of the biggest takeaways given how important defences are in major tournaments, and with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman out wide and Alex Morgan still in good form in between them, they will be tough to stop.
The biggest question mark comes in the midfield as Andonovski looks to replace Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis, but things look good for the nation everyone is looking to dethrone.
Germany - Friendlies. BCD vs Republic of Ireland, 0-0 draw vs Sweden
Germany’s February is somewhat harder to judge because they didn’t partake in one of the big friendly tournaments, instead choosing to play two friendlies, one of which was behind closed doors.
In their open friendly against top seeded rivals Sweden, they drew a blank but looked solid with what wasn’t their absolute strongest eleven. Germany are ranked as one of favourites coming off the back of the European Championships and an off performance shouldn’t worry too many fans given they didn’t show top form before last summer’s tournament either.
With an abundance of young talent and plenty of experience to go with it, Germany will do what they always do when a tournament comes around and be right there at the end.
Sweden - Friendlies. 4-1 win vs China, 0-0 draw vs Germany
Sweden also swerved the tournaments and headed to Spain for a friendly with China before hopping over to Germany for the aforementioned friendly above with Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side.
Any matches against Asian opposition this month are tough to judge with nations out of season, but Sweden blitzed China and led 3-0 after 14 minutes, eventually winning 4-1.
The returning Madelen Janogy was in particularly good form and Sweden will hope to find an extra bite in attack with their usual defensive solidity still in place, showed in their 0-0 with Germany. Can they go all the way this time? They’ve had a few near-misses and the competition is getting as tough as ever, but they still look in a good space.
England - Arnold Clark Cup. 4-0 win vs Korea Republic, 2-1 win vs Italy, 6-1 win vs Belgium
The top scorers at the Euros stated their intent again with 12 goals across three games as the Lionesses retained the Arnold Clark Cup. Their attacking depth, even without Beth Mead, continues to be frightening and the emergence of Lauren James on the international stage will worry many who were already struggling to live with the intensity of England’s attacking play.
Sarina Wiegman now arguably has even more depth than she did last summer and England just look like a well-oiled machine. There are issues, they still look they can be got at out wide in transition, but overall remain solid and the plus point is they look like scoring at will, as they showed against Korea Republic - again, out of season - and the usually solid Belgium.
France - Tournoi de France. 1-0 win vs Denmark, 5-1 vs Uruguay, 0-0 draw vs Norway
France also won their own tournament in February but will still have a few questions heading into the summer. A big one of those will be answered when Marie-Antoinette Katoto returns from injury and Corinne Diacre will hope it’s in time for the summer.
Against lowly ranked Uruguay, France had no issues but struggled for a cutting edge more against Denmark and Norway, drawing a blank against the latter. Diacre will at least be pleased as the goals were shared around and particularly that a few of their young forwards such as Kessya Bussy and Naomie Feller were on the scoresheet.
They looked solid and gave up little at the back but maybe still a little bit of work to do to catch up with those in front of them.
Canada - SheBelieves Cup. 2-0 loss vs USA, 2-0 win vs Brazil, 3-0 loss vs Japan
Canada had a tough tournament in the USA but given the amount of effort their players are having to put in just to find support off the field, it’s hard to judge their on pitch performances.
Against the USA, they looked visibly like a team not on it in the opening exchanges and several players admitted so afterwards, but they bounced back for a good 2-0 win over Brazil. Against Japan, they were a bit all over the place, though it should be said that was also down to a very good performance from Nadeshiko who looked like something had finally clicked.
You’d expect the usual defensive solidity to return in the summer, but Bev Priestman will still have concerns despite what has been going on away from the pitch.
Spain - Cup of Nations. 3-0 win vs Jamaica, 3-2 loss vs Australia, 3-0 win vs Czech Republic
What to say about Spain? No one quite knows what this squad will look like in the summer, but right now it remains without 15 of its finest players, and some of those cracks started to show down under.
Spain’s World Cup won’t be judged on wins against Jamaica or a Czech Republic side that didn’t qualify, but the big games, and against hosts Australia they looked lost for a large chunk of the match and it could have been worse than the 3-0 deficit they faced at the break.
On the plus side, they scored eight goals and looked fluent in attack, with the likes of Esther Gonzalez, Athenea del Castillo and Liga F’s top scorer Alba Redondo all remaining available to Jorge Vilda. They will be a really intriguing side to keep an eye on.
Netherlands - Friendlies. 2-1 loss vs Austria, 4-0 win vs Austria
Netherlands are still finding their feet under new head coach Andries Jonker. There’s been a lot of change in the KNVB since Sarina Wiegman left and they’ve never quite recovered.
This was evident in the surprise 2-1 loss to Austria in the first of a Malta double header as two late goals from Irene Fuhrmann’s side condemned Jonker to a first defeat in charge.
They responded well though and looked more themselves as Lineth Beerensteyn scored twice, Lieke Martens made it two in two and youngster Esmee Brugts found the net too.
Brazil - SheBelieves Cup. 1-0 win vs Japan, 2-0 loss vs Canada, 2-1 loss vs USA
Brazil’s tournament probably showed exactly where they are right now. Close, but not quite there. There’s a new era unfolding in South America with the likes of Formiga and Cristiane gone, it’s now about Geyse, Ary Borges, Kerolin and co, though the great Marta did return this month to offer a taste of the past.
The brilliant Debinha struck to down Japan, but Brazil can be encouraged with elements of their performances, particularly in transition against the USA, that’s where they will be most dangerous in the summer.
Brazil’s new-look side has them as dark horses for many but they are in a tough group and may face a tough path, but they appear to be going in the right direction for now.
Japan - SheBelieves Cup. 1-0 loss vs Brazil, 1-0 loss vs USA, 3-0 win vs Canada
As mentioned above, it looked like something clicked for Japan in Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over a usually solid defensive side in Canada, after going four games without a goal.
Japan have so often looked so good with their fluid play but struggled for a cutting edge, so they will both be pleased with that attacking display and the fact they only conceded twice across the three games, managing to frustrate both Brazil and USA in the process.
They may still be a step or two away from the glory days of 2011, but under Futoshi Ikeda things may be going in the right direction ahead of the World Cup.
Australia - Cup of Nations. 4-0 win vs Czech Republic, 3-2 win vs Spain, 3-0 win vs Jamaica
After a tough summer/autumn last year, Australia are finding top gear under Tony Gustavsson and at a great time ahead of their home tournament this summer.
Three wins to claim their own tournament sees them seven unbeaten, and they easily dispatched of the Czech Republic and Jamaica with seven goals and none conceded.
Their most eye-catching performance came against Spain though as goals from Cortnee Vine, Clare Polkinghorne and Caitlin Foord saw them race into a 3-0 lead, and it could have been more. We know what home advantage can do for any team, and Australia now look they have performances to go with it.
Norway - Tournoi de France. 1-0 win vs Uruguay, 2-0 loss vs Denmark, 0-0 draw vs France
Norway are another still finding their feet under a new head coach and also still looking to recover from a dismal European Championships. Hege Riise will still have some key questions that need answering after a mixed bag in France, but there are signs of progress.
A new-look defence held France to a 0-0 but fell to defeat against Denmark, while they only managed one goal all tournament against lower-ranked Uruguay.
Admittedly, they remain without both Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen and if they can find more consistent solidity at the other end, the return of their two top forwards may see them strike a nice balance heading into the World Cup.
China - Friendlies. 2-0 win vs Real Betis, 4-1 defeat vs Sweden, 4-0 win vs Sporting Huelva, 0-0 vs Republic of Ireland
Given they are out of season, China’s decision to undergo a lower key February than some of their fellow Asian nations may be sensible, but makes their month tough to judge.
Their four games was more than any other team, but two of them came against domestic Spanish sides during a two-week stay in Europe. Their lack of match sharpness caught them cold in a poor opening 15 minutes which saw them shed three goals against Sweden, and they drew a blank against a solid Ireland side to round things off.
There’s definite talent in this team and like Korea Republic and co we will learn more about them as the year goes on.
Korea Republic - Arnold Clark Cup. 4-0 loss vs England, 2-1 loss vs Belgium, 2-1 loss vs Italy
Unlike China, Korea Republic went all in, despite head coach Colin Bell admitting they would be at a disadvantage compared to their trio of European opponents.
They looked off the pace in their opening game but found sharpness through the tournament, aided by the return of key cog Ji So-yun in the midfield.
It may have been three defeats but the end of 2022 suggests Korea Republic are on to something at both ends of the field under Bell and in a not too bad World Cup group, there’s definite signs of progression and hope.
Italy - Arnold Clark Cup. 2-1 loss vs Belgium, 2-1 loss vs England, 2-1 win vs Korea Republic
Italy were yet another European nation needing a few answers off the back of a disappointing European Championships. Unlike Netherlands and Norway, the Azzurri has stuck by Milena Bertolini but it was another three matches of a lot of questions rather than answers.
There was a little more bite in attack, even against England as they caused enough problems to force an equaliser before finally getting their win in the last minute against Korea Republic.
Generally, they looked relatively solid at the back, especially when defending balls into the box, but less so against speed and movement. They have a group they should progress out of in the summer, but one which will punish them if they’re not on it.
Denmark - Tournoi de France. 1-0 loss vs France, 2-0 win vs Norway, 3-2 win vs Uruguay
Overall, despite the odd hiccup, Denmark should be fairly pleased with their month, especially in the continued absence of captain Pernille Harder.
They pushed France all the way, dispatched Norway comfortably and while they were generous in front of goal and at the other end against Uruguay, they scored two late goals to get the win.
There’s some exciting young talent coming through the Danish system and while not in a position to make a repeat trip to a major final like they did in 2017, they’re probably quite comfortable with where they are heading into not just 2023, but beyond.
Switzerland - Friendlies. 0-0 draw vs Poland, 1-1 draw vs Poland.
There’s not a huge amount to say about Switzerland’s February except it was relatively low-key, with just back-to-back friendlies against Poland scheduled, both ending in draws.
Like at the Euros, they look reasonably solid at the back but still struggling for a ruthless edge up front, and this against a side that didn’t make the World Cup.
They are though working into things under a new head coach in Germany legend Inka Grings who has worked in the Swiss system and will still be integrating her ideas, so let’s see how their year progresses through April.
Portugal - Friendly. 5-0 win vs New Zealand. WWC Play-Off. 2-1 win vs Cameroon
Portugal were expected to book their spot at the World Cup given they are ranked just outside the top 20 in the world, though they made hard work of it under pressure from Cameroon, but a stoppage time penalty secured a spot at the tournament for the first time for Francisco Neto’s side.
More impressive was their dismantling of New Zealand, the co-hosts of the tournament, in the build-up. Portugal has some exciting attacking talent, particularly the likes of Kika Nazareth, and they showed glimpses of it at the Euros last year and will get the chance to do so again.
Republic of Ireland - Friendlies. BCD vs Germany, 0-0 draw vs China
Republic of Ireland are the highest ranked of the incredible eight new nations at a World Cup in this list ahead of the summer’s tournament, and their February went ok judging on what we know.
They will have been pleased to keep a talented, albeit out of season, China at bay, while little is known of their match against Germany, but they will have no doubt benefited from a top test.
Ireland have players in top clubs and a experienced head coach in Vera Pauw and will be comfortable with where they sit ahead of a debut World Cup.
New Zealand - Friendlies. 5-0 loss vs Portugal, 2-0 loss vs Argentina, 1-0 loss vs Argentina
February couldn’t have gone much worse for the co-hosts who will have the eyes of a nation on them come July. Off the back of five games without a win, New Zealand lost all three friendly games this month, failed to score and conceded eight goals.
A 5-0 defeat to Portugal, who hadn’t even qualified at that point, set the tone, followed by back-to-back defeats to Argentina ranked five places below them.
Respected coach Jitka Klimova is still finding her way with the deep and there is a lack of depth available in her player pool, but performances need to improve before the summer.
Colombia - Revelations Cup. 1-1 draw vs Costa Rica, 1-0 win vs Nigeria, 1-1 draw vs Mexico
Colombia were the highest ranked World Cup side taking part in the new Revelations Cup, hosted by winners Mexico, and Nelson Abadia’s side put in a solid week, going unbeaten in all three games as teenage superstar Linda Caicedo once again took centre stage for a spectacular winner against the hosts.
Sandwiched between 1-1 draws with fellow World Cup participants Costa Rica and Nigeria, Colombia will be fairly pleased with what they achieved in February, but know it will take a little more to progress out of what will be a tightly contested World Cup group this summer.
Argentina - Friendlies. 4-0 win vs Chile, 2-0 win vs New Zealand, 1-0 win vs New Zealand
Argentina have got to be really pleased with how things are going right now. After years of fighting with their federation, things seem to be heading in the right direction and players heading into some top leagues is benefiting the national team.
They won all three games in February without conceding, including two wins against the co-hosts and a 4-0 thumping of Chile.
With Brazil-based duo Soledad Jaimes and Yamila Rodriguez leading the attack and Liga F stars such as Aldana Cometti, Florencia Bonsegundo and Estefania Banini remaining key players, they may surprise a few teams this summer.
Vietnam - Did not play.
Vietnam faced no official matches in February but will meet up next month to prepare for their Olympic qualifiers before heading to Japan for a camp in April to play against several club sides.
They will then head to Germany for a camp in June to play the European finalists before heading off to New Zealand in July.
Costa Rica - Revelations Cup. 1-1 draw vs Colombia, 1-1 draw vs Mexico, 1-0 loss vs Nigeria
Costa Rica are about where you’d expect right now. A consistent presence at major tournaments over the years but rarely troubling the latter stages, there’s always been a solidity under long-term head coach Amelia Valverde.
There are several bright young talents emerging and that showed in respectable draws against larger nations such as Colombia and Mexico, while they only fell to a narrow defeat against Africa’s top ranked side.
Jamaica - Cup of Nations. 3-0 loss vs Spain, 3-2 loss vs Czech Republic, 3-0 loss vs Argentina
Jamaica have blown hot and cold in recent camps but February was possibly more what head coach Lorne Donaldson would have expected, especially without main forward Khadija Shaw.
Jamaica are still trying to gel together a side adding new players, largely from the WSL, with Brighton’s Victoria Williams the latest, but they gave a good account of themselves against Spain and Australia, though the defeat to Czech Republic will be a concern.
Youngster Jody Brown continues to shine though and with Shaw still to return to the picture, they will certainly offer a goal threat down under.
Nigeria - Revelations Cup. 1-0 loss vs Mexico, 1-0 loss vs Colombia, 1-0 win vs Costa Rica
Nigeria have too much talent to be struggling the way they are now, with their win against Costa Rica stopping a run of six straight defeats where they only found the net once.
With the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Iffy Onumonu and Rasheedat Ajibade, there is plenty of attacking talent but under US-coach Randy Waldrum, they just haven’t find a sweet spot yet.
Overall, it wasn’t a great February for a team people will expect a bit more from come the summer when you look at their team on paper.
Philippines - Pinatar Cup. 1-0 loss vs Wales, 2-1 loss vs Scotland, 5-0 loss vs Iceland
The Philippines is one of the most intriguing stories of the World Cup. Having ploughed the majority of their resources into the first team and scouted many college players from the USA to represent their team, they are somewhat playing catch up despite qualification.
Against three sides not at the tournament but ranked above or around them, Philippines suffered three losses but would have been encouraged by the narrow margins against Wales and Scotland, if perhaps a little alarmed by the 5-0 defeat to Iceland.
Under experienced ex-Australia head coach Alen Stajcic, the Philippines have direction, but don’t expect too much of them in their first World Cup.
South Africa - Turkish Cup. 3-0 win vs Uzbekistan, 1-1 vs Slovenia
South Africa’s February is hard to judge as they played in one of the lower key tournaments and even that was interrupted by the tragic earthquakes which saw their opening game against the hosts postponed due to Turkey understandably withdrawing.
A 3-0 win against Uzbekistan followed and a 1-1 draw with Slovenia. Desiree Ellis is an impressive head coach and there’s definitely some talent in the South Africa squad, as well as plenty of experience, but it’s tricky to place them just yet.
Haiti - WWC Play-Offs. 4-0 win vs Senegal, 2-1 win vs Chile
What a success story for Haiti, who have booked their spot at the tournament for the first time. It’s a great bit of news for a struggling country, but there’s every chance they could surprise people down under given the talent they have.
Melchie Dumornay, who will join Lyon in the summer, came to the fore when they needed her with both goals against Chile, while the likes of Roselord Borgella and Nerilia Mondesir both struck against Senegal in the semi-finals.
Their brand of incisive, attacking play will excite fans this summer, and hopefully for tournaments to come given they have a young squad.
Panama - WWC Play-Offs. 2-0 win vs Papua New Guinea. 1-0 win vs Paraguay
Panama became the last team to book their spot and make it a record six spots for CONCACAF at the tournament.
They well earned it too. The strikes from Marta Cox and Riley Tanner against Papua New Guinea were superb, and they held out under the immense pressure of knowing a first World Cup was moments away in the final against Paraguay.
There’s a lot to like about the Panama side and their progress shows how CONCACAF is thriving.
Morocco - Friendlies. 3-0 win vs Slovakia, 2-0 win vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Morocco are one of the lowest ranked nations at the World Cup and another new entrant, but they will be happy with how they are ticking along under Champions League-winning coach Reynald Pedros.
Off the back of an impressive run to the AFCON final last year, Morocco recorded two wins and two clean sheets, albeit against low-key opposition, as they ramp up their preparations.
The addition of Rosella Ayane up front has pushed things along but there’s some good talent in Morocco, as shown in Qatar late last year, and they have an open group in the summer.
Zambia - Friendly. 1-0 win vs North Macedonia. Turkish Cup. 1-0 loss vs Slovenia, 4-0 win vs Uzbekistan
Zambia would have had four games this month had Turkey not pulled out of their own tournament, but they enjoyed a narrow warm-up win vs North Macedonia and a 4-0 win over Uzbekistan, either side of a 1-0 defeat to Slovenia.
It’s a mixed bag for a nation so many will fondly remember from the Olympic Games, but they remain without key forward Barbra Banda. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of talent though with Rachael Kundananji one of the top players in Spain right now, and Grace Chanda in good form at national team level.