But will they see a repeat performance from the team that is yet to taste Olympic gold?
"We want gold," Germany's defender Ariane Hingst told the DPA news agency.
"That is our main goal."
Germany has won Olympic bronze twice and are tipped as likely finalists this year as holders of three European trophies and having not conceded a single goal in the last World Cup.
Coach Silvia Neid's squad includes 16 world champions and does not suffer from the Under-23 age restriction put on men's teams.
"We're an insanely IOC confirms ban on Iraq from competing in Bejing ...
German Athletes Feel the Pressure of Olympic Gold ...
Ban praises Germany as mediator ...
Chinese Olympic torch reaches summit of Mt. Everest ... experienced team, but we're still hungry for success," Hingst said. "Whoever claims we've had enough is wrong."
Strong opposition
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Brazil lost 2-0 to Germany in the last World Cup finals Germany is, however, far from the only team that looks strong in women's soccer.
The Brazilian side will be out for revenge after losing to their rivals in the World Cup finals -- and that just happens to be the first team Germany will meet in the tough Group B. The two teams face off Wednesday, Aug. 6, in Shenyang, two days before the opening ceremony to allow for much needed time between games as the tournament progresses.
Along with Germany, the USA is one of the most experienced teams and both have competed every time in this recent addition to the Olympic schedule. Despite it only being the fourth time women's soccer has appeared in official Olympic competition, the USA team has two gold medal titles and one silver.
China will be drawing on the home pitch advantage to summon the strength that saw their country win silver 12 years ago in Atlanta. Other top contenders are Norway, Sweden, North Korea and Africa champions Nigeria. Before having a chance to play in the Aug. 21 final,
Germany will have to face the latter two teams, which are also in "the group of death."
(Deutsche Welle)
more info >>
<< Back