Hosts China will open their 2007 Women's World Cup campaign against sixth-ranked Denmark in Wuhan on September 12.

China, who are ranked 11th in the FIFA World Rankings, were placed in Group D alongside Denmark, rapidly-improving Brazil and outsiders New Zealand at yesterday's draw.

Powerhouses Norway are seeded in Group C and will be confident of progressing against Ghana, Australia and Canada.

The "Group of Death" was Group B, were World No 1 USA was drawn alongside fourth-ranked Sweden and fifth-ranked Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Nigeria take the final spot.

Group A seeds and reigning world champions Germany were the biggest winner last night with what should be comfortable games against Japan, England and Argentina.

China's newly-appointed Swedish head coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors said her team would have their work cut out to finish in the top two and advance.

"I think Sweden and China got the toughest group on paper. Brazil is a very good team and they were runners-up in the last Olympics. And Demark probably is the best team in Europe at the moment. New Zealand won the group in Oceania. It is a very tough group. We have hard work to do for the World Cup and we will try our best to reach the quarterfinals."

Brazilian star Daniela Alves was confident that her team would be at their best in September. 

"The team has matches in July in the Pan American tournament. It will be good preparation for the World Cup. I think we will reach the top level in September."

Led by standout player Marta, FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, Brazil are narrow favorites to top the group.

But Denmark could pose a major challenge after an amazing unbeaten run of results that has seen them win 17 and draw 3 of their last 20 matches.

Although they have never defeated China in the World Cup, head coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller said the "Steel Roses" should not rest on their laurels.

"I think it is a great opportunity to get revenge in the World Cup. We have to win in this World Cup. That will be a good response."

The 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup will be staged from September 10-30 in five Chinese cities: Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin and Wuhan. The opening match and Women's World Cup Final will both be played in Shanghai's Hongkou Stadium.

This will be the fifth Women's World Cup staged by FIFA, and the second by China, which also hosted the inaugural tournament in 1991.

Star match show

To highlight the draw ceremony, an exhibition match between a World XI and China was held on Saturday night.

It was the last match for caretaker coach Wang Haiping before he hands over to Domanski-Lyfors, and his team ensured he went out with a bang with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

"The biggest significance is the young team rediscovered their normal self-confidence and this is the most important thing in the build-up for the World Cup," said Wang.

Substitute forward Ji Ting netted a last minute winner to the delight of fans in the Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, leaving new coach Domanski-Lyfors in positive mood.

"It was a perfect match. I have more confidence in the team's future and I have more confidence in my job in China."

"Everyone played very well during the match. I was impressed."

(China Daily April 23, 2007)