Costa Rica, Japan, Spain, Zambia: A guide to Group C at 2023 Women's World Cup
The 2023 Women's World Cup is taking place in Australia and New Zealand between 20 July and 20 August. 2011 world champions Japan are in Group C, along with Spain, Costa Rica and debutants Zambia. BBC Sport takes a closer look at those teams.
Manager: At the age of 36, Amelia Valverde will be one of the youngest managers at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Valverde was actually in charge when Costa Rica made their debut at the tournament in 2015, when the Central Americans finished third in their group after respectable draws against Spain and South Korea before a 1-0 defeat by Brazil. Renowned for her careful planning, tactical nous and communication skills, she will hope Costa Rica can break new ground and reach the knockout rounds on their second appearance on the global stage.
Star player: At the age of 29, Raquel Rodriguez already has more than 100 caps to her name. She is Costa Rica's all-time leading scorer, having scored 55 times for her nation, including Las Ticas' first ever World Cup goal against Spain in Montreal in 2015. Will Rodriguez make her mark in New Zealand?
Form guide
Tournament history
Manager: Futoshi Ikeda, 52, has already tasted success on the global stage after Japan's triumph at the 2018 Under-20 Women's World Cup in France. The former Urawa Red Diamonds defender played in Japan's top flight before turning to coaching. What does Ikeda remember of Japan's triumph at the 2011 Women's World Cup? "I was watching it on TV at home," he says. "The Japan earthquake had just happened, so in that sense it was a tournament that gave everyone courage."
Star player: Saki Kumagai, 32, is a captain, a champion and a symbol in Japan of dedication and commitment. Following the omission of forward
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