The Associated Press

Halfway around the world from its original locale, during the busiest of U.S. sports seasons, the Women's World Cup has arrived.

Unlike the wildly successful tournament of four years ago - staged in early summer with little outside competition - this World Cup could struggle for attention.

But that doesn't mean that when the defending champion United States takes the field Sunday, at RFK Stadium in Washington, it won't be vigorously supported. More than 30,000 seats have been sold for the game with Sweden.

And the U.S. players can't wait to get on the field.

"I'd have preferred to start playing last week and get this going," Abby Wambach said Friday.

The first two games will be in Philadelphia today, with Norway taking on France and Nigeria facing North Korea. Norway is the favorite in Group B, while Nigeria and North Korea are in Group A with the United States and Sweden.

Tonight in Columbus, Group C begins with Germany facing Canada and Japan taking on Argentina.

Sunday's other game in Washington has Group B's Brazil and South Korea. That night in Carson, Calif., it's Group D teams China vs. Ghana and Australia vs. Russia.

The United States won the first championship in 1991 in China, then finished third as Norway won in 1995 in Sweden. In '99, the Americans beat China in a penalty-kick shootout before a sold-out Rose Bowl to conclude the biggest event in U.S. women's sports history.

When the SARS outbreak hit China, FIFA, soccer's world governing body, decided to move its showcase. Only the United States made a viable bid.

Now, with mostly smaller stadiums and three months to plan it instead of three years for the '99 tournament, some expectations have been diminished. But not the expectations placed on the U.S. women - by themselves and the public.

Then there is the hope that another rousing success on the field, in the stands and on the airwaves will boost the chances to revive the WUSA, the women's professional league that folded Monday.

Does that make the Americans any more nervous?

"There is definitely a nervousness, but it's a good thing, too," co-captain Julie Foudy said. "You learn as a veteran, as (team consultant) Colleen Hacker says, 'Have your butterflies fly in formation.' "

Unlike '99, when the Americans breezed through the opening round, the competition in Group A is formidable. Sweden is fifth in the world and is the highest-rated opponent the Americans could have faced in the round robin, from which two teams in each sector will advance. North Korea is seventh.

As Foudy said, "Looking beyond anyone, that's death."

Today's games

At Philadelphia: Norway-France, noon; Nigeria-N. Korea, 2:45 p.m.

At Columbus: Germany-Canada, 5:45 p.m.; Japan-Argentina, 8:30 p.m.