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Wish granted for U.S. team Squad avoids Brazil in draw, gets two unknowns
Posted: Tuesday February 16, 1999 12:56 AM
By Jonathan Ganz, CNN/SI ATLANTA -- The U.S. team got its wish in the draw for the Women's World Cup, avoiding powerful Brazil. But there was plenty of uncertainty for the host nation when all the balls had been picked out of the pots and all 16 countries allocated into four groups for the 1999 Women's World Cup. The United States, one of four top-seeded teams and unbeaten in its last 21 matches, was placed in Group A along with European power Denmark, Nigeria and North Korea, which will be making its first appearance at a Women's World Cup this summer. "I call our group the unknown group," said U.S. team coach Tony DiCicco. "I know nothing about North Korea, but they gave China all they could in two games." North Korea qualified for the tournament with a 1-0 upset of Japan in the semifinals of the Asian Cup last year before falling to China in the final. The Koreans also finished second in the Asian Games last year.
The Nigerians have never played the U.S. team in a match before. A developing squad, Nigeria has never won a match in the Women's World Cup, having lost five and drawn one contest in two appearances. But the Nigerians have quite a bit of speed and strength on their squad, and apparently little fear. "We are not afraid of them, they are just ladies like us," said Nigerian star Mercy Akhide, who played on the World All-Star team which took on the U.S. Women's team on Sunday night. It may not be familiar with Nigeria or North Korea, but the U.S. is certainly no stranger to Denmark. The two nations were in the same group in the 1995 World Cup in Norway. In addition, the U.S. team opened up the 1996 Olympics against Denmark. When the Women's World Cup starts on June 19th, it will kick off in Giants Stadium with the U.S. taking on Denmark on national television. "Denmark is big and strong," said U.S. defender Lorrie Fair. "They're going to be very good. We'll have to be playing at our best to beat them.
DiCicco and the U.S. women's team breathed a collective sigh of relief early in the proceedings of the draw for the 1999 Women's World Cup when Brazil was placed in Germany's group. The Brazilians are considered the top non-seeded team in the tournament, and Group B has already been labeled this tourney's Group of Death. Also in that group is a talented Italian team that has something to prove this summer in their return to the Women's World Cup. Italy reached the quarterfinals in 1991, but did not qualify in 1995. "Brazil and Italy are really strong teams, and we're thankful that we don't have to deal with them until later." The last team drawn into Group B was Mexico. Group C is highlighted by the defending World Cup Champions Norway. The Norwegians are joined by Japan, Canada and Russia, a draw that Norway coach Per-Mathias Hogmo considered to still be tough. The final group for the tournament, Group D, has top-seeded China, Australia, Ghana and Sweden in it. The World Cup will start with the U.S.-Denmark match on June 19th and conclude with the final in the Rose Bowl on July 10. Stay with CNN/SI in the months leading up to the tournament for the latest in news, features and in-depth profiles of the teams and players.
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