Chengdu News

FIFA's head of women's football Tatjana Haenni holds up a piece of paper after drawing the USA during the final draw for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, in Wuhan, in central China Sunday April 22, 2007. Looking on are singer Tian Zhen, center, and and former Chinese goalkeeper Gao Hong. The draw determines the composition of groups for the 16 teams competing in the Women's World Cup, which will be played in the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Tianjin and Wuhan from September 10-30, 2007. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

STEPHEN WADE

WUHAN, China - The top-ranked United States got a tough draw Sunday for this year's women's World Cup, placed in Group B with Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria.

Sweden was runner-up at the 2003 World Cup and is ranked No. 4 by world governing body FIFA. North Korea is ranked No. 5, Asia's top team.

The United States, one of the four seeded teams this year, has won the World Cup twice _ the inaugural tournament in 1991 and again in '99. Norway won in 1995 and Germany is the defending champion.

The Americans, who were knocked out in the semifinals by Germany in 2003, will open against North Korea on Sept. 11 in the western city of Chengdu.

The four Group B teams were also drawn together in the 2003 World Cup.

"We landed in the most difficult group again," American coach Greg Ryan said. "We had the most difficult group in 2003, and now the most difficult in 2007. It's hard to believe we drew exactly the same teams."

Germany was placed in Group A and fared better than the Americans, with preliminary matches against Japan, England and Argentina. The Germans play the first game of the World Cup against Argentina on Sept. 10 in Shanghai. The tournament closes on Sept. 30, also in Shanghai

In Group C, Norway was the seeded team and drew games with Ghana, Australia and Canada, while host China was seeded in Group D and will face New Zealand, Brazil and Denmark.

This women's World Cup promises to be the most competitive so far. In addition to the four seeded teams, Sweden and Brazil are seen as serious contenders. Several other teams are also in the mix: England, Japan, North Korea, Denmark, Australia and Nigeria.

Host China, ranked No. 11 in the world, might have received a break from FIFA. Prior to the draw, North Korea was placed in Group B by FIFA. The current positioning means China and North Korea cannot meet sooner than the semifinals.

FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi was asked four times about the move, but gave few answers in a news conference.

"The decision was taken by (FIFA) organizing committee," Linsi said.

Pressed, he simply replied: "I think if you make a draw, you don't ask the teams. That's the way it is."

Ryan said he was confused watching the draw and couldn't figure why North Korea was placed in Group B.

"I just don't understand it," he said. "I just don't understand."

Asked if he intended to lodge a protest with FIFA, Ryan shook his head.

"At this point it doesn't matter," he said. "What is done is done. We just have to start preparing for our first game."

For the first time in the women's World Cup, the total of $6.4 million in prize money will be spread among all teams. The winner will get $1 million. The tournament will be played at five venues. In addition to Shanghai, matches will be held in Wuhan, Chengdu, Tianjin and Hangzhou.