BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Traditional powerhouses to world women's soccer, the United States and Sweden, face mixed fortunes in talking up their chances of winning the title at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China after again being drawn into the Group of Death with the same opponents they faced four years ago.
In the 2003 USA World Cup, the hosts and then defending champions' desire for a third world title had been expected to undergo tough tests in the first round, as they were drawn into a group with eventual runners-up Sweden, African champions Nigeria and then Asian champions DPR Korea.
The U.S., however, wrapped up three easy wins in front of the enthusiastic home fans to advance to the knocking-out phrase before being stopped at the semifinals by Germany, which later beat the Swedes 2-1 with a golden goal in the final and lifted the trophy.
Sweden needed the third group match before winning the battle for second place against DPR Korea, while Nigeria arguably came out the biggest disappointment of the tournament's first round, losing all three matches and failing to score a single goal.
Like a joke made by Soccer God, the four national teams have been again drawn into the same group, and Group B thus emerges as the Group of Death for the China 2007, which kicks off on Sept. 10. Will it be another circle running or the producer of giant killers?
Apparently it's familiar foes there, but not exactly the same.
Sure to be the favorites to advance from the group, the U.S. and Sweden face challenges from the new squads of Nigeria and DPR Korea, while experiencing crucial changes inside their own bodies.
The U.S. have gotten themselves through the disappointment of losing the semis on home soil through the help of a sports psychologist, as well as through the moment of transition under the reign of current head coach Greg Ryan, with the older generation of stars being replaced by an upstart crew of young hopefuls.
"We've had the psychology for a good few years now. Through refocusing, imagery and promoting togetherness, it gives us confidence and belief," said key striker Abby Wambach.
As the world's first women's soccer team made up of full-time professionals and also one of the most successful teams (women's or men's) in history, the U.S. have won the inaugural women's World Cup in China in 1991 and at home in 1999, twice Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2004, and five Algarve Cups (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007).
They finished third in both the 1995 and 2003 women's World Cups as the team made appearances in every previous edition.
Like any other traditional power, the Americans came through "Growing Pains" as most of their core players had gotten over-age.
Mia Hamm hung up her boots right after the 2003 Cup, while the 36-year-old skipper Kristine Lilly still holds on.
Led by Lilly, the U.S. beat Canada in the final of last year's CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup to further extend the team's winning streak in the continental tournament since 1991 and to book another ticket on the world stage.
Ryan also inserted new blood into his squad after taking over from April Heinrichs in early 2005, with sensations like Natash Kai having emerged as the potential candidate for a future big-wave rider.
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