[OLYMPIC WOMEN] On the eve of the Olympic opener against Norway, U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage spoke about the progress the team has made since she took over late last year. The Swede says the Americans, 21-0-1 in 2008, have made great strides on defense and in midfield but admitted "we have a little bit to go in the attacking third." For all Sundhage's remarks in Qinhuangdao …

U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage:

On which opponent is the strongest in Group G:
"I look at the three teams and I don't say who is strongest. I say they are all different. Norway plays much different than Japan, and Japan plays different from New Zealand. It's not about who is stronger or weaker. We are playing three good teams and we will play differently against each. That is a privilege for us to play against different teams and cultures."

On the strengths of Norway:
"We played Norway a couple of weeks ago, and I am very familiar with their style being in Sweden for so long. It's a good team, it's a team that is well organized and the set pieces are pretty good as well. One thing for sure we have to deal with well are their counter-attacks. For our attack, we have to mix it up a little bit. We will face an organized team and that is challenging."

On how players are feeling on the with the hours counting down to the start of the Olympics:
"It's a combination of everything. You are a little bit nervous and you are relaxed and focused. You go from being very serious to having a laugh and having a good time. You mix these feelings going into the game. The key is knowing that you have teammates around you, and that we create our own environment."

On now being a part of the USA-Norway rivalry:
"Before I was sitting in the stands and watching the games. Right now, I am in it. I am in a team that wants to beat Norway, and I am so privileged to be a part of this history. If you look back, the U.S. has a lot of gold medals, silver medals and bronze medals. So to be a part of this game is a huge thing for me, and I enjoy every minute of it."

On looking back at her seven months on the job:
"We spent a lot of time on the field. That has been a key factor. We've played some good games against good opponents as well. But we started off talking about the word change, and I think we have embraced the change. It's not easy, but they have done a fantastic job of that."

"We started off and tweaked the defending a bit, then moved over to attacking and built up to be a possession-oriented team. It started with the back four, and if you look at the back four with our captain Christie Rampone, I think they are much more comfortable with the ball right now. It's all about expectations. We found a great midfield as well. Looking forward, we have a little bit to go in the attacking third, especially with the final pass. If we had some more time, I'd say we'd be even better off, but at the same time, it's good to see how well we've been working and the atmosphere is fantastic."

On China's chances in the Olympic tournament:
"Whoever is playing China will face an excellent technical team and 12th player, and that is the crowd. In 2007, the crowd was fantastic. If China is playing well, they will have 12 players and that is something that all of us will have to deal with."