Can World Cup debutants cope with the powerhouses? 

UNDERDOGS: Brazil's midfielder Marta (L) shoots the ball next to Zambia's defender Martha Tembo during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women's group F first round football match between Brazil and Zambia. Pic: Ayaka Naito / AFP

Besides Republic of Ireland, seven other nations will play their first Women’s World Cup when the expanded tournament kicks off. And some recent shock results indicate that they might not just be in Australia and New Zealand to make up the numbers.

Critics of the expansion from 24 to 32 teams raised concerns that inexperienced newcomers might be trampled beneath the feet of the traditional powerhouses from Europe and North America.