ESPNsoccernet: null

USA defender Ali Krieger claims that Germany will be the favourites to lift the FIFA Women's World Cup this summer.

Krieger, who plys her trade at German side 1. FFC Frankfurt, won the league and cup double in 2008 and hopes that the experience will stand her in good stead against the current holders.

"There's no doubt they [Germany] are currently the top side in the world," Krieger told FIFA's official website. "By playing and training alongside them every day, I've learned so much. And I hope that all they've taught me will help me to get the better of them this summer!"

USA face a tough test with Korea DPR, Colombia and Sweden in the group stages, but Krieger is confident of success.

"People are already referring to our pool as the 'group of death', but personally speaking, I don't pay much attention to that. I can assure you that no matter which team is holding the trophy aloft in July, they will have had to battle through some tough games to get there," she said.

"I'm actually quite happy that it's a difficult group on paper, because that will force us to focus properly and to play to the best of our ability right from the start. We're one of the favourites to win the competition, but that doesn't mean that going all the way will be easy.''