Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The top-ranked U.S. women's national soccer team was placed Saturday into an impressive Group of Death for the 2015 World Cup, though it likely won't matter in the long run.
After the 24-team drawing in Ottawa, the Americans were stuck with the worst-case scenario in Group D, with the toughest possible opponents from each pot: Sweden, Australia and Nigeria. Sweden is ranked fifth in the world, is coached by the former U.S. coach, Pia Sundhage, and is a team that defeated the Americans in group play at the 2011 World Cup.
Australia is ranked 10th in the world, while Nigeria, No. 35, is considered the best of the African nations.
'I'm kind of speechless,' said U.S. forward Alex Morgan, reacting to the draw while commentating on Fox.
The Americans first-round schedule is not particularly friendly, from a geographic or competitive standpoint. The U.S. team will play its first two matches in relatively remote Winnipeg, and its third match on the West Coast:
Australia, June 8 in Winnipeg.
Sweden, June 12 in Winnipeg.
Nigeria, June 16, in Vancouver.
While this is an extremely difficult draw by women's soccer standards, the U.S. will be the favorite in all three matches. There is also plenty of wiggle room. The top two teams from each group, plus four of the six third-place teams, will advance to the next round.
If the U.S. wins Group D, it will not have to face another group winner until at least the semifinal round.
Other top teams appear to have a much easier path than the Americans. Germany, in particular, is in rather pathetic Group D with Ivory Coast, Norway and Thailand. The hosts, Canada, will open play June 6 against China in Edmonton.
Sundhage was not thrilled that her fifth-ranked Swedes were bumped by FIFA to the second pot of teams, replaced by Brazil, and therefore were stuck with the Americans.
'It think it's weird,' Sundhage said. 'Why wouldn't you go with the ranking?