U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage says team is stronger after losses-USA Today

Abby Wambach, center, shoots past fellow Hope Only, right, during a training Tream USA in Dresden, Germany, on Saturday.

Or not.U.S. women's soccer team, which took an unusually rough ride last year, takes the field Tuesday night (12:15 pm ET) at one stage with sparkling, 22.933-seat and get an early indication if it is on track for his first title FIFA World Cup since 1999. It is right that the Americans, the North Koreans, are something of a mystery.I am so Their coach Americans., Swedish former football star Pia sundhage, tried to redo their game in more than one European-style attack, based on possession.Their goalkeeper, solo, hope, is still on the rebound from Surgery Reconstructive shoulder in September and says that she will always be days of painkilling shots in games.The results were a bit shocking. A team that lost two games in total from 2005 to 2009 he lost three times since November And, just last week, the Americans were confused and defeated 3-1 by Norway in a scrimmage.Perhaps some indication as to what all this means USESfor, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, but has given the role of favorites to host Germans, will Tuesday. Is nervous Sundhage? "Nervous? Sundhage Yes in a positive way, "said Monday after a training session at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, built in 2009 and renovated this year. "I am a positive person. I think we're stronger because of what we've been through. I believe that we are ready. "Sundhage compares the current situation to that of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, which he coached. Team that has lost its Olympic opening 2-0 in Norway and rebounded to win the gold medal. "And this time we Abby Wambach, "said Sundhage with a big smile.Wambach, the impressive, 5-11 forward who is third overall in scoring the United States, losing the Olympics with a broken leg.The last time the United States has played the North Korea was in his opening World Cup 2007 in China. Which resulted in a draw 2-2. Although the Americans advanced out of group play, were routed 4-0 by Brazil in a semifinal.The North Koreans, ranked No. 8 by FIFA, didn't play a lot of friendly, sticking mainly to official competitions, so were difficult to scout in the past. But Americans have seen enough, say, to know what to expect ".From what we saw, are really good, "us Defender and Captain Christie rampone said. "I'm good on the ball. Are technicians. Are rapid. But they are young. "If the Koreans have a star midfielder Jo Yun-Mi, preparing for Korean matter to individuals Just as much as for their system. "For me, are a great team," singer said. "Their system is what won their games. They are all fit, smart, hard. Are football expert ".Solo said something that she is safe in this World Cup is that there will be no surprises.After all, for the United States, last year was full of them.For more information about & reprints permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication of the newspaper, send letters@usatoday.comcomments. Include name, telephone number, city and State, for review. To view our corrections, corrections.usatoday.comgo.We have updated the guidelines of the conversation. The changes include a brief review of moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.