The Zambian national women’s team is the shortest in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as per data compiled by ASEAN FOOTBALL.
At an average height of 158.3 cm, the 2022 women’s AFCON bronze medalists are the shortest nation in Australia/New Zealand.
It is the Copper Queens’ midfield sensation, Avell Chitundu, who records the smallest height of any player at the tournament (140 cm).
Quite ironically, the playmaker’s goal, which handed Zambia their first win of the 2022 women’s AFCON against Tunisia, was via a header.
Following Zambia on the list of smallest teams are Vietnam (160.6 cm) and South Africa (161.1 cm) in second and third positions, respectively. Aambia’s Group C opponents, Costa Rica (164.4 cm) and Japan (164.7 cm) complete the top five.
The European teams boast the tallest teams at the tournament, with Denmark (173.5 cm), Germany (172 cm), Sweden (171.6 cm), the Netherlands (170.6 cm), and Norway (170.3 cm) sitting in the top five.
Impact of height at the tournament
Height could be an important factor in influencing the performances of the Copper Queens. When it comes to aerial duels and physical presence in both boxes, Zambia is mostly likely to be disadvantaged.
However, the Copper Queens’ last two match results paint a different story. They defeated a colossal side like Germany 3 prior to the FIFA World Cup. That was then followed by a devastating 5-0 defeat to Japan, who, just like Zambia, record a small average height. In fact, some would point out that the agile movement of the Asians, which Zambia couldn’t cope with, was thanks to their diminutive stature.
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This goes to show that height is not the sole determinant of a team’s performance. A nation’s tactical approach, defensive organization, work rate, skill, and technical ability are more important in deciding match results.
Hence, the Copper Queens have a lot of work to do so as to improve those intangible aspects of their game. The next hurdle in Zambia’s debut campaign is an encounter against Spain at Eden Park on Wednesday.
