USA v North Korea

They will do battle, on the soccer pitch.  The United States has drawn North Korea, Colombia and Sweden in group play for next summer’s Women’s World Cup.

The top-ranked Americans were the last team to qualify for the 16-nation tournament in Frankfurt. They beat Italy in a home-and-home playoff after being stunned by Mexico in regional qualifying.

Still, the U.S. is a top seed, as are two-time defending champion Germany, Japan and Brazil.

The U.S. opens June 28 against North Korea, the fourth straight time these nations will meet in the group stage. The Americans play Colombia on July 2 and four days later take on coach Pia Sundhage’s old team, Sweden.

Germany begins the tournament June 26 against Canada in Berlin. The final is July 17 in Frankfurt.

– Via The AP