US women's soccer team looks to tough tournament at Olympics, says coach Andonovski

WASHINGTON - US women's soccer team coach Vlatko Andonovski said on Wednesday that his team will face a tough challenge at the upcoming Olympic Games.

"After waiting an extra year for this Olympics, the draw represents a real milestone in our journey and helps us focus even more on our preparation and what we need to do to achieve our goals," Andonovski said.

"We have great respect for all three of our group opponents and we know this tournament will push us to our limits both mentally and physically, as well as challenge us every game technically and tactically, so we will do everything we can in the next three months to prepare for success."

The US women's national team, 2019 World Cup winner, has been drawn against old rival Sweden as well as Australia and New Zealand for the Tokyo Olympic soccer tournament.

In other two groups, Britain was drawn with Canada, Chile and host Japan while China will take on the challenges from European champion the Netherlands, Brazil and Zambia in group stage.

There will be a new winner in the women's tournament, with 2016 champion Germany failing to qualify.

The US team is seeking to become the first women's side to win a World Cup and an Olympic gold medal back-to-back.