Steel Roses facing stiff challenge in group stage

The group stage of next year's Women's World Cup in France shapes up as a tough test for China's Steel Roses.

Currently ranked No 15 in the world, China will face European powerhouses Germany (No 2) and Spain (No 12), along with 48th-ranked South Africa in Group B.

Spain, despite being ranked 12th, didn't drop a point throughout qualifying for France and was the second team behind the host to secure a berth in the tournament.