Women´s World Cup draw announced

World champions Germany has been drawn alongside Canada, Nigeria and France in the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

Germany will be hunting for a third successive victory when they host the 16-nation tournament from June 26 to July 17.

The host nation joins Canada, France and Nigeria in Group A; arguably the most difficult of the four line-ups given only Nigeria is ranked outside the top 10 in the world.

The USA, ranked number one, headline Group C alongside Colombia, Sweden and Korea DPR.

Brazil, runners-up to Germany in 2007, face Australia, Norway and Equatorial Guinea in Group D.

Japan, the fourth seeded team after Germany, Brazil and the USA, are early favourites to top Group B above Mexico, New Zealand and England.