Reigning champions Germany go into the fifth women’s Soccer World Cup finals next week under huge pressure with the powerhouse United States team desperate to reclaim the trophy.
The US, who won the tournament in 1991 and 1999, have drawn the short straw and are in the ”Group of Death” along with North Korea and Sweden, who lost to Germany in the final four years ago.
All three teams are in the top five in the world with African champions Nigeria making up the numbers.
US coach Greg Ryan knows he has a major task in getting past North Korea in their opening match in Chengdu on September 11, with political overtones adding to the mix.
But he tipped Sweden as their major threat, rather than Germany, with Australia or Canada potential tournament surprise packages.
”We start in Chengdu against North Korea, and I have the highest respect for them,” he said. ”They’re very strong both physically and mentally.
”Sweden are one of the favourites in my opinion, and I believe Australia and Canada could spring a surprise.”
The US’s opening match could be crucial to the line-up of the quarterfinals, with the group runners-up facing the winner of Group B, who are expected to be Germany.
Of the top teams, Germany, the world number one, appear to have the easiest task, being drawn alongside Japan, Argentina and England. They have a solid winning record against all three teams.
The Germans hoisted the trophy for the first time in 2003, defeating Sweden 2-1 on Nia Kuenzer’s ”golden goal” eight minutes into extra time, but are taking nothing for granted in China.
”It won’t be easy, as none of our opponents qualified for the World Cup by accident. They belong among the best teams in the world by right,” said coach Silvia Neid.
”If we make it to the quarterfinals, we’ll face an extremely tough task.”
European Championship runners-up Norway are considered favourites to top Group C and are rated as realistic trophy contenders.
Canada’s Norwegian coach Even Pellerud will have no qualms about spoiling the potential party in their opening match on September 12, with the increasingly powerful Australians also shaping as tricky opponents.
Ghana could prove to be the jokers in the pack.
While stadiums may not be full for some matches, China’s passionate fans are expected to stream to the ground when the home team is in action, with striking sensation Ma Xiaoxu spearheading their hopes.
China have hired experienced coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors to raise their game and they will need the extra lift to get past world number four Brazil in Group D.
Denmark rate as dangerous floaters in that group following their progress to the Algarve Cup final in March, while New Zealand will be looking to accumulate valuable experience.
Danish coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller fired an early warning at China as his team looks to shatter local hopes.
”I’m especially looking forward to the match against China, as we have a score to settle from the 2006 Algarve Cup,” he said.
”But I’m expecting them to be strong at the World Cup. Brazil are technically excellent, and New Zealand will be very motivated.”
The 16-team tournament, which starts on Monday, was shifted from China to America at the last minute in 2003 as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome gripped the nation.
Since then China have spruced up five stadiums to host the event — in Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Tianjin.
The tournament kicks off in Shanghai when Germany take on Argentina.
The final is on September 30, also in Shanghai. — Sapa-AFP