Europe's finest take on the world

Surge in interest
After China withdrew as hosts due to the SARS outbreak, FIFA turned to the nation that staged - and won - the hugely successful 1999 tournament, the United States. Their final victory, on penalties against China in front of 90,183 fans, led to a surge of interest in women's football in North America, resulting in the formation of the fully professional Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA).

Europe's heyday
WUSA folded this month, but the World Cup remains as prestigious as ever, and with the success of the new UEFA Women's Cup for European club sides, the old continent could yet recapture the glory days of 1995 when Norway beat Germany in the final.

German bid
The Germans had already won the European crown in 1995, and have since completed a hat-trick of titles with victories in 1997 and 2001. They are second favourites for the World Cup behind the hosts, and face Canada in their opening match on Saturday, with Japan and Argentina to come in one of four groups, each with two quarter-final berths at stake.

'Fire and tension'
Their line is led by Birgit Prinz, who starred as 1. FFC Frankfurt landed the inaugural UEFA Women's Cup in 2001/02, and German coach Tina Theune-Meyer believes her players are ready. "You can see in training sessions that there is fire and tension in the team," she said. "The first match is always something special. Canada are a strong and difficult team to play."

Sweden face holders
However, the big game of the group stage is the meeting of the holders and their legendary striker Mia Hamm - a veteran of the US victory in the first finals tournament of 1991 - and the new force in Europe, Sweden. The Swedes were beaten by Germany in the last European final, but Hanna Ljungberg's goals have since taken Umeå IK to the 2002/03 UEFA Women's Cup and she could yet eclipse Hamm and Prinz.

'Even stronger'
Sweden coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors, who also led the 2001 European finalists, still has 15 of that squad available and said: "I think this team is even stronger and we have to be at our best because all our opponents in the group stage are very good." Nigeria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are also in Group A.

Tough group
Norway have been placed in a fearsome-looking Group B with France, Brazil and the Korean Republic - and the two European teams meet on Saturday. Norwegian coach Åge Steen, who has midfield player Hege Riise out with a ligament injury, said: "We have a good squad with the perfect blend of youth and experience."

Pichon confident
France, who beat England in a play-off to qualify, are making their tournament debut and boast striker Marinette Pichon, voted WUSA's Most Valuable Player for 2002. A confident Pichon said: "I am sure we can achieve our goal of reaching the quarter-finals. We are not here through luck." However, they and Norway must overcome Brazil, who have selected Ronaldo's wife, the uncapped Milene Domingues.

Russian task
The other Europeans, Russia, open on Sunday against Australia and also meet Ghana and China - the latter boasting the soon-to-retire Wen Sun, who won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in 1999. Russia, whose key defender Marina Bursakova is also to bow out, made the 1999 quarter-finals, and coach Yuri Bistritsky said: "Our primary task is to advance to the next round."