Football: Women's World Cup Group C
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The FIFA Women's World Cupin Australia and New Zealand kicks off on July 20.
AFP Sport takes a detailed look at Group C:
SPAIN (FIFA ranking 6)Coach: Jorge Vilda (ESP)
Star player: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best WorldCup performance: Last 16 (2019)
Spain's preparations were thrown into turmoil last year when 15 players declared themselves unavailable «until situations that affect our emotional and personal state» were resolved.
The players were unhappy with several issues, including the leadership of coach Jorge Vilda. The Spanish federation nevertheless backed him to lead the team into the World Cup.
Three of the 15 were named in the squad for Australia and New Zealand after agreements with the federation were reached on some points, but that means Spain are missing key players.
Twice Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas was included after returning from injury.
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FootballDespite the disruption Spain have been mostly winning since the protest began, their only defeat coming against co-hosts Australia.
Vilda's side remain a serious contender in spite of the off-field troubles.
COSTA RICA (FIFA ranking 36)Coach: Amelia Valverde (CRC)
Star player: Raquel Rodriguez (Portland Thorns, USA)
Best World Cup performance: Group stage (2015)
Costa Rica made an impact in their only previous World Cup appearance, in 2015, exiting at the group stage after conceding a late goal against Brazil in their final game.
That came after impressive draws against Spain and South Korea that belied their status as tournament minnows.
«Las Ticas» have struggled though for results going into this year's
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