FIFA U.S. drawn into 'Group of Death,' open against Sweden

The 16 qualified teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003 learned their opponents and schedule at the Final Draw, which took place 17 July at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Hosts and holders, the United States today learned that they will open the tournament against Sweden in Washington DC on 21 September. Also in Group A is African Champions Nigeria and Asian Champions DPR Korea.

The complete draw:

Group A: United States, Sweden, Nigeria, DPR Korea
Group B: Norway, France, Brazil, Korea Republic
Group C: Germany, Canada, Japan, Argentina
Group D: China, Ghana, Australia, Russia

The draw, which began at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (8pm CET) underneath sunny Southern California skies, was attended by a host of football dignitaries, players, coaches and representatives from many of the participating nations. The world’s media was on hand to report the event, which was also carried live on fifaworldcup.com.

FIFA Deputy General Secretary Jérôme Champagne conducted the draw with help from former U.S. women’s greats, Michelle Akers and Carin Gabarra, and WUSA President Lynn Morgan. U.S. Soccer Director of Communications Jim Moorehouse emceed the event.

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner delivered a message on behalf of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, and U.S. Soccer Federation President Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia expressed the pride of the American football community speaking from the new “Mecca of U.S. Soccer.”

Apart from the all-important drawing of the nations from the red and yellow balls, the event had some drama of its own. The coach of China PR, Ma Liangxing, symbolically handed the tournament’s Official Match Ball – the new adidas Fevernova – to his American counterpart, April Heinrichs.

The U.S. coach took the ball with a promise to return it at the conclusion of the event in honour of China, who will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007. It was a meaningful moment between two old rivals who are both hoping to meet again at the beautiful Home Depot Center at the final match on 12 October.

Many players who were on hand also brought glamour to the event. U.S. veterans Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett, Hege Riise of Norway, Zhang Ouying of China, Daniela of Brazil, Sandra Minnert of Germany and Kelly Golebiowski of Australia all participated.

Source: FIFAworldcup.com

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