
Marta (Brazil) —
The five-time FIFA Woman's Player of the Year remains the face of the game. It was at the 2007 World Cup in China that she first came to the fore, scoring seven goals as Brazil finished runners-up. The 29-year-old, nicknamed "Pele with a skirt" has yet to win a World Cup or Olympic title -- and this could be her final chance to add the biggest prize of all to her legacy.

Alex Morgan (USA) —
Sepp Blatter might not have recognized her but to most football fans Morgan needs no introduction. The U.S. star was part of the team which was beaten by Japan on penalties four years ago and is desperate to go one better this time. In 2012, she netted a dramatic winner to seal the silver medal at the London Olympics, in a year where she finished with 28 goals and 21 assists.

Caroline Seger (Sweden) —
Sweden are one of the dark horses heading into the tournament and with Seger in its midfield, there is plenty of reason for optimism. The Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the most experienced players in the side was part of the team which finished third in Germany four years ago.

Veronica Boquete (Spain) —
Boquete is one of the most exciting and talented footballers in the game. Her ability to waltz past defenders and produce the perfect pass makes her Spain's most threatening player. She will line up behind the striker, either on the wing or through the middle, and will hope to repeat her goalscoring exploits at the 2013 European Championship finals.

Asisat Oshoala —
Oshoala has enjoyed a stellar season in England where she plays for Liverpool. She was named as the best player at the Under-20 World Cup where Nigeria finished second to Germany. At just 20, she's one of the most exciting talents on the scene and was recently named as the BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year. She helped Nigeria win the African Championships in 2014 and will appear in next season's European Champions League.

Louisa Necib (France) —
There's no reason why Necib cannot lead France to World Cup glory this summer. The Lyon star is a silky and skillful midfielder, picking passes which others fail to see. She is integral to France's chances of success and if she has a good tournament then Les Bleus could find themselves in the final.

Christine Sinclair (Canada) —
If Canada is to win the World Cup on home soil then Sinclair will be the woman to lead it. The striker, who turns 32 on June 12, made her debut at the age of 18 and has become a legend of the game. She will win her 224th international cap in Saturday's opening game against China and will be hoping to add to her incredible tally of 153 goals.

Celia Sasic (Germany) —
She's just won the Champions League with Frankfurt, now Sasic has her sights firmly set on the World Cup. The forward, who is currently a free agent, will spearhead the Germany attack with both Nadine Kessler and Fatmire Alushi missing through injury. With 42 goals in her past two seasons, Sasic is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Nilla Fischer (Sweden) —
According to England's Casey Stoney, Fischer is one of the best defenders in the world. A Champions League winner with Wolfsburg, her dominance at set-pieces and ability to read the game makes her one of the stand out stars in the game. Originally a central midfielder, she now looks a natural at the back.

Homare Sawa (Japan) —
Sawa was the stand out player for Japan four years ago when it won the title in Germany. She may be 36 and endured a series of injuries but Sawa remains an iconic figure in the game. The 2011 FIFA World Player of the Year is heading for her sixth successive World Cup -- no other player has achieved that feat. Sawa finished top scorer in Germany with five goals and was voted as the tournament's best player.