The Associated Press

The good news for the U.S. women's soccer team is that it should have no trouble reaching the quarterfinals. The bad news: The Americans must play an extra game.

Wednesday's draw reflected the uneven format organizers have devised. Ten teams were put into three groups. The United States was grouped with Brazil, Australia and Greece; the other two groups have three teams apiece.

Teams in the U.S. group must play three games in seven days to complete the first round. Teams in the other groups will play two games in seven days. If the United States meets China in the quarterfinals, China will enter the game with five or six days of rest to two or three for the Americans.

Being in the group with Greece helps the United States. The Greeks are in the tournament because they are the host nation, and will be the overwhelming favorite to finish last in the group.

The Americans open on the island of Crete, facing Greece at Iraklion on Aug. 11, two days before the opening ceremony.

The Americans play Brazil on Aug. 14 and wrap up the first round in Group G against Australia on Aug. 17.

The strongest group is F, pitting World Cup champion Germany, perennial power China and up-and-coming Mexico.

Sweden will be favored in Group E. Norway, the defending Olympic champion, failed to qualify.

TV COVERAGE: NBC said Wednesday it is planning an additional 399 hours of Olympics programming this summer for a total of 1,210 hours, or more time on the air than the last five Summer Games combined.

Most of the extra hours are accounted for by a limited number of sports that will be shown in high-definition television on the network's digital affiliates.

Among NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo and USA, viewers will be able to see English-language Olympics broadcast all day and night.