Contenders for the crown: usual suspects such as Norway, Germany, and China head the deepest field in Women's World Cup history

Soccer Digest, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Barry Wilner

Brazil will miss Pretinha, a potent forward who is out with torn knee ligaments.

NOTRH KOREA

Coach: An Jong Goan

FIFA ranking: 7

World Cup history: first appearance

Not much is known about the Asian champion, except that it is a rising power. North Korea outscored its opposition 60-3 in qualifying, but that might not be indicative of the team's quality because few Asian nations have strong women's soccer programs.

Forward Ri Kum-Suk scored 15 goals in the Asian Championship, including both goals in the final. Other key players are midfielders Jang Ok-Gyong and Jin Pyol-Hui, forwards Ri Kum-Suk and Ri Hyang-Ok and goalkeeper Ri Jong-Hui.

The North Koreans went 1-2 in 1999, defeating Denmark.

FRANCE

Coach: Elisabeth Loisel

FIFA ranking: 9

World Cup history: first appearance

France climbed into FIFA's top 10 rsnkings because of one brilliant player: forward Marinette Pichon. She was the WUSA's most valuable player in 2002 and rivals Hamm and Sun as the best forwards in the world. Pichon has superb moves, a strong shot, and enough creativity to fool even the best defenders.

What Pichon does not have is a strong supporting cast. The French are inconsistent and often sloppy around the net. Unless midfielder Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe of the Boston Breakers and the rest of Pichon's teammates have a big tournament, France won't go very deep.

RUSSIA

Coach: Yuri Bystritsky

FIFA ranking: 11

World Cup history: 1999 (quarterfinals)

The Russians looked good early in the 1999 tournament, but were no match for China in the quarterfinals. Since then, few Russians have joined top leagues, so their international experience is limited. At best, Russia has become a challenger To the Scandinavians and Germans and French in Europe.

Soccer Natalia Barbachina ably fills the net for Russia, with help from defender Vera Stroukova and forward Olga Letiouchova. Russia's main problem wRI be handling the Aussies--with whom it should compete for second place in its group.

CANADA

Coach: Even Pellerud

FIFA ranking: 12

World Cup history: 1995 (first round); 1999 (first round)

Another vastly upgraded team, Canada learned a lot front its neighbor to to the south over the years. Now, Canada frequently give the United States fits.

The WUSA has been a boon to Canada: Two stars have made tremendous strides in the league: forward Charmaine Hooper who, at 35, is still a major force near the net, and Sharolta Nonen, one of the world's best defenders. Both are key players for the Atlanta Beat.

Goalkeeper Karina Leblanc has faced top competition so often she won't be intimidated at the Cup, and forward Christine Latham is streaky but dangerous. The Canadians Could have strong fan base at the games, which should give the team a boost.

JAPAN

Coach: Ueda Eiji

FIFA ranking: 14

World cup History: 1991 (first round); 1995 (quarterfinals); 1999 (first round)

Japan is an enigma, a talented team that struggles in big games. It has qualified for all four Women's World Cups, but hasn't fared well. This year, it isn't on the level of fellow Asian sides, North Korea or China. It needed to play a two-game series with Mexico to secure the final World Cup berth.