In the United States four years ago, Group A featured the hosts, Korea DPR, Nigeria, and Denmark. Four years later, we had no Denmark, so just put Sweden in their place. Everybody knew how hard this group would be - yet, oddly enough, everybody seemed to welcome the challenge. US defender Joy FAWCETT said, "We have to play the best to be the best." Marika DOMANSKI LYFORS, Sweden coach, had this to say about the group draw: "If I had one wish before the draw, it was to open the tournament against the USA because I know that it will be a great experience for the players." Okay, you asked for it.

NIGERIA
Coming off a promising quarterfinal appearance at USA 1999, Nigeria collapsed this time round. Their 3-0 opening loss to Korea DPR was a microcosm of their tournament: placed under pressure early, they never really had any good looks at the opposing goalmouth and, upon falling behind, pressed forward only to succumb to counterattacks. Nigeria then lost 5-0 to the US and 3-0 to Sweden, and their time on the world stage was over without ever really seeming to have started. Precious DEDE in goal was Nigeria's starlet, making eighteen saves in the three matches. Blame her defense, though, for allowing 29 shots on goal.

KOREA DPR
This being their second appearance at the Women's World Cup, Korea DPR were not as much of an unknown factor. Nonetheless, the only chances you have to see them tend to be the AFC Women's Championship, the Asian Games, and this tournament. That was probably their downfall, as consecutive losses to Sweden and the US kept them out of the quarterfinals. Both of their more accomplished opponents were able to control the pace of their respective matches. In particular, the US were firmly in command as they emerged from halftime to deny Korea DPR any chance of getting back in. The North Koreans ended with the same result - one win in three matches - as at USA 1999, but undoubtedly they had the skill to be better.

UNITED STATES
The group opener looked to set the stage for the entire tournament, as the US defeated Sweden 3-1 on goals from Kristine LILLY, Cindy PARLOW, and Shannon BOXX. The hosts responded well to the pressure created by the shutdown of the Women's United Soccer Association just days before the tournament kicked off; it was widely expected that a second consecutive championship for the Americans could rekindle support for the top class women's league.

But a fiercely contested semifinal eventually went Germany's way, though not for lack of effort. The US absolutely pounded Silke ROTTENBERG's goal, the strikes coming faster and faster and the Portland crowd more and more frenzied as the final minutes approached. But the US lost, rebounded to defeat Canada in the third place match, and then took a lap of honour. It was the likely last run for several US stars, including Lilly, Mia HAMM, Shannon MACMILLAN, and Julie FOUDY, in meaningful competition at home.

SWEDEN
Sweden's 1-0 win over Korea DPR was, for all practical purposes, the second place match in Group A. The Swedes' reward was a quarterfinal tilt against the team that won third in 1999, Brazil. But this time, Sweden were in command. Their crosses into the box caused trouble throughout the match, and a 2-1 win put them through to the semis. After dispatching Canada by the same scoreline, Germany awaited in the final. Shared goals either side of the interval made the second half a thrilling affair, with numerous opportunities only narrowly missed. Finally, the Swedes fell to a beautifully placed header from Nia KÜNZER, but they had made an impression on the world. Victoria SVENSSON walked away with the Silver Ball as the tournament's second best player, with three goals and four assists in the six matches.

"Korea DPR are the best of the rest, though the Swedish defense will give RI Kum Suk a run for her money." A second place finish for Sweden disproved our forecast about Korea DPR; Sweden gave everyone, even the US, a run for their money. Furthermore, they improved as the tournament continued, the mark of a truly elite squad.