WUHAN -- If China is going to meet expectations and keep World Cup organizers happy, it needs to beat Denmark in one of Wednesday's opening games in Group D.

This is the tournament's most wide-open group. Some see Brazil as the favorite, and everyone views New Zealand as the plucky underdog. For China's "Steel Roses," a loss to Denmark would leave them playing catch up to qualify for the quarterfinals.

China has traditionally been a women's soccer power but has slid in the world rankings to No. 11. This spring, the team hired its first foreign coach, Marika Domanski-Lyfors, who led Sweden to a second-place finish at the 2003 World Cup.

China shut out Denmark 6-0 the last time the two teams met, at last year's Algarve Cup, but the tall, physical Danes could give the host team a rough time. In addition, No. 6 Denmark made it to the final of this year's Algarve Cup, while China bowed out after four straight losses.

"These Europeans teams are stronger in the air, they're explosive," said defender Zhang Ying. "I think as long as, on defense, we can control that explosiveness we'll be OK."

Denmark coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller tapped Brazil as the team to beat in Group D, though he said China had an outside chance of making it to the tournament finals. He cites China's 100 days of preparation, and bemoans only 20 for his team.

Brazil is expected to roll over New Zealand, which is back in the World Cup after a 16-year absence. The Kiwi roster features six teenagers and just one professional, while the Brazilian team has eight players who belong to overseas clubs.

Much of the media attention has been focused on Marta, the FIFA player of the year, who has been trying to deflect the glare and draw attention to her team.

"It makes me very happy that everyone has such a high opinion of me, but I really think that a victory belongs to the entire Brazilian team, not just to me," she said.

The other first round groups in the World Cup each have a team that is a clear favorite to advance: Germany in Group A, the United States in Group B and Norway in Group C.

Germany drove home a message that it's out to dominate, coldly crushing Argentina 11-0 on Monday night in the opening match of the tournament.