Soccer-U.S., China favored in Women's World Cup

07:04 p.m Jun 17, 1999 Eastern

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 17 (Reuters) - Mia Hamm already has an Olympic gold medal and a TV commercial with Michael Jordan. Now the world's most celebrated female soccer player is poised to lead the United States to a World Cup title on home turf.

The third Women's World Cup, which will be played at eight venues over 22 days, kicks off Saturday with double headers at Giants Stadium here and at San Jose, California.

Hamm, who recently set a world record with her 108th international goal, leads a veteran U.S. team that is favoured to win its second World Cup after taking the inaugural title in 1991 in China.

``As long as we stay healthy and play our best, I think we're going to do well,'' U.S. coach Tony DiCicco said.

``We know the challenges are going to be great.''

The Americans, who open the tournament against Denmark, are one of five teams in the 16-nation field with a realistic shot of taking a victory lap around the Rose Bowl after the July 10 championship game.

The other serious contenders are China from Group D, defending champions Norway from Group C, and Germany and much-improved Brazil from Group B.

The United States, which finished third in the 1995 Cup, boasts a team filled with veterans of past World Cups and the 1996 Olympics and is expected to have little or no problem with Group A opponents Denmark, Nigeria and North Korea.

Barring a major upset, the host nation will likely face either Germany or Brazil in a July 4 semifinal in Palo Alto, avoiding the most dangerous potential opponents until the championship match.

Norway and Olympic silver medalists China are expected to come through for a semifinal clash in Foxboro.

The formidable Chinese, the fastest team in the competition, have beaten the United States twice this year.

Mexico, North Korea, Russia and Ghana will make their Women's World Cup debuts.

Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Australia, Canada and Nigeria round out the field of longshots.

In Saturday's other opening day matches, Brazil plays Mexico in Giants Stadium, while China opens against Sweden and Canada faces Japan in San Jose.

Organisers have been delighted with ticket sales so far, with 460,000 seats already spoken for for the 32-match tournament.

``The response has been astounding,'' said Marla Messing, president of the Women's World Cup organising committee.

Groupings for the 16-nation Women's World Cup:

Group A - United States, Denmark, Nigeria, North Korea.

Group B - Germany, Brazil, Italy, Mexico.

Group C - Norway, Canada, Japan, Russia.

Group D -- China, Sweden, Australia, Ghana.