World Cup warmup

U.S. women to play in Chinese tournament

CHICAGO (AP) -- As the first major step in preparation for the 2003 Women's World Cup, the U.S. team will play in an international tournament in China next month.

The Americans, gearing up to defend their world title, will face powerful competition in Olympic champion Norway, China and Germany in the four-team tournament. The World Cup also will be held in China, from Sept. 23-Oct. 11.

The Four Nations Tournament begins Jan. 23, with the Americans playing Norway and China facing Germany. Three days later, the United States opposes Germany and China plays Norway.

In a rematch of the 1999 World Cup final, the Americans meet China on Jan. 29, while Norway plays Germany.

All four teams already have qualified for the World Cup.

"January is going to be one of the most important months of the year for the women's national team," said U.S. coach April Heinrichs, whose team also will play Japan at San Diego on Jan. 12. "Players will be coming off a much-needed break with a clean slate trying to make the World Cup roster. We will get them out of their vacation mode and back into the world-class soccer mode.

"The Japan game will be a proving ground for some of our young players and an opportunity for them to get experience to make the roster to go to China."

 

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