Germany's women head to Canada looking to emulate their men's World Cup success as Silvia Neid's side aim to mark her swansong with a third world crown in 12 years.

Both Germany's men's and women's teams top the FIFA world rankings and Neid's squad is amongst the favourites to win the final in Vancouver on July 5.

Neid may be largely unheard of outside of Germany, but the petite blonde ex-midfielder has a phenomenal record as coach of the national side.

The 51-year-old has either coached or co-coached Germany to the World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007, as well as the European title in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.

This will be Neid's last World Cup before she steps down to become the German Football Association's (DFB) head of scouting for women and girls next year.

She will be replaced as Germany coach by former midfielder Steffi Jones.

But despite their impressive record, the Germans will not be complacent in Canada.

They suffered a shock early exit at the 2011 World Cup when the hosts were knocked-out in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Japan, who beat the USA on penalties in the final.

With the World Cup to be played on artificial turf in Canada, Germany play their first two games against Ivory Coast and Norway in Ottawa.

Their final Group B match is against Thailand more than 2000kms away in Winnipeg and a one-hour time difference.

Things could get worse travelwise should the Germans progress to the knock-out phase with a potential quarter-final in Vancouver or Edmonton.

"It's going to be our biggest challenge to date," Neid told SID, an AFP subsidiary.

"Artificial turf is new to us and we'll have to get used to that quickly.

"The ball bounces differently and the games will be faster, but teams with good technique will have an advantage.

"Then there is the distances involved and the time differences involved, both of which are severe.

"On top of that, the favourites have all drawn closer in terms of standards, so a lot of it will come down to form on the day.

"Anything will be possible at this World Cup.

"For me, the favourites are Canada, who have been preparing since last November, the USA, Japan, Brazil, Sweden, Norway, France and us.

"Because there is now a Round of 16, it is no longer six games, but seven matches if you stay until the end.

"We have had the shortest preparation time ever, with several players injured, so it's a big test."

Germany steam-rollered Brazil 4-0 in April and comfortably won their final pre-World Cup friendly against tournament rivals Switzerland 3-1 on artificial turf last week.

Neid has a few injury concerns with experienced midfielder Simone Laudehr having picked up a knee injury in FFC Frankfurt's win over Paris St Germain in the women's Champions League final.

PSG forward Fatmire Alushi has pulled out of the World Cup because she is pregnant while a knee operation has deprived the Germans of 2014 world footballer of the year Nadine Kessler.

Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, 36, will retire after the World Cup having won 138 caps for Germany.

She was in goal for the 2007 World Cup win and was in the squad for the 2003 triumph.

"Our team is awesome, we have unbelievable potential and the quality to go very far in this tournament," said Angerer.