Every World Cup, whether it's the men's or women's tournament, there is always that quartet referred to as "the Group of Death" by pundits and fans. And this year, at the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada, it's definitely Group D, which will see three top-ten sides - the USA, Sweden, and Australia - taking on the most experienced African side in the tournament: Nigeria.
After reaching the final four years ago only to lose to shock winners Japan in a penalty shoot-out, the mission of the USWNT is simple: Win or go home. Led by Jill Ellis and skippered by the veteran defender Christine Rampone - a relic from the 1999 win - the Stars and Stripes are seeking their first win since that historic day 16 years ago.
Ranked no. 2 in the world, Team USA have a whole crop of highly experienced players in their ranks, many of whom were part of the 2011 group that fell short in Germany. In offense, there are Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, and Alex Morgan all keen on making things rights in Canada. Joining this elite group is the all-time top scorer Abby Wambach who has netted 182 goals, but is still seeking the title that has eluded her throughout her glittering career to date: a World Cup trophy.
Team USA, with stars like Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Christine Rampone, and Hope Solo are pushing for their first WC title in 16 years
No slouch defensively, Christine Rampone will be again anchoring the defense with star goalkeeper Hope Solo again assuming her position between the sticks. After some off-the-field controversy, Solo is now back in the national fold and her teammates and USWNT fans are hoping she can pull through with a top-class display against what will be some tough opposition.
The USA ladies will first take on Australia, a team that has impressed in their last two World Cup appearances. Four years ago as well as in the 2007 edition, the Matildas made it to the quarter-finals, and in Germany, were knocked out by Sweden 3-1. Many of these same players, including Caitlin Foord, who won the Best Young Player of the Year in 2011 will be there in Canada, with a lot more experience gained since then.
Under new coach Alen Stajcic, Australia finished second to reigning World Cup winners Japan in the Asian Cup and after success at their last two tournaments will be hoping build on this as they navigate through what will be a tough group for all four teams involved.
Australia, who are making their sixth appearance at the WWC, have a young - yet experienced - squad hungry to make their mark as one of the top ten sides in the world
For Sweden and their coach, Pia Sundhage, this indeed will be an interesting group. Not only are the players quite familiar with their American opponents, but also their coach just so happened to be the woman on the bench when the USWNT finished second at the last World Cup and won gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
Sweden, like the USA and Germany, is another highly experienced side in this tournament. The Blågult will be making their seventh straight appearance and finished third after defeating France 2-1 in the consolation game following a surprise defeat at the hands of Japan. Their best ever performance was a runners-up finish in 2003, but they have never lifted the trophy.
At Sundhage's disposal will be women's football stars like Lotta Schelin, who serves as her team's captain and is their all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, including 12 alone in qualifying. After hosting the women's EURO in 2013, Sweden made it to the semi-finals, but since their win back in 1984 they have never won a major international tournament.
After finishing in third in 2011, Sweden head to Canada full of confidence as they and their coach face off against familiar opponents USA
Finally, last, but certainly not least, there is Nigeria. In their past six appearances, the Super Falcons have only progressed beyond the group stages once - a quarter-finals appearance in 1999. Their last three tournaments saw them dumped out early, although, to be fair, in 2003 and 2007 they were again placed in a "group of death" alongside the USA and Sweden, as well as North Korea.
Edwin Okon's ladies secured their spot by winning the 2014 Africa Women's Championship, which was their ninth title in 11 appearances. Yet, whilst they have enjoyed comfortable success in Africa, they have yet to be able to do the same thing when pitted against European and American opposition and will be seeking to finally prove themselves this summer, but again, they will find the odds stacked against them with Sweden and USA being named by most as favourites to progress.
Nigeria have long enjoyed success in Africa but have yet to replicate this feat on the world stage
When and Where to watch Group D's Women's World Cup 2015 matches
In the tournament's toughest quartet, who will be the strongest to progress? The USA? Sweden? Nigeria? Or Australia? Make sure you stay informed with news, streaming options, and channel information by bookmarking our FIFA Women's World Cup page on LiveSoccerTV.com.
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