With field increased to 24 nations, U.S. finds itself in ‘Group of Death’

Canada coach John Herdman pretty much summed up the prevailing sentiment when he was asked what he was looking forward to most about the Women’s World Cup.

8 in the world, opens women’s soccer’s premier tournament today with a group-stage game against No.

is in Group D, the so-called “Group of Death” that includes upstart Australia, Sweden and former U.S.

Group D opens with a game between the U.S.

But probably the most anticipated game of the group stage is the showdown between the U.S.

The women’s game and the World Cup have not been singed all that much by the scandal that’s rocking FIFA, the sport’s international governing body.

At the news conference, Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani was asked if there were any improprieties associated with Canada’s bid for the event a reflection of the corruption allegations facing FIFA as a whole.

in the games leading up to the World Cup, starting with an uncharacteristic loss at France in February and ending with a listless 0-0 draw against South Korea in New Jersey last Saturday.

The event is the first senior World Cup, men’s or women’s, to be held on artificial turf.

Wambach led a group of players who filed a legal challenge last fall, alleging gender discrimination because the men’s World Cup is always played on grass.