Women's Olympic: Draw good omen for USA?

If the 2012 Olympics are any indication, Thursday's draw for the 2016 women's soccer competition at the Rio Games is a good omen for the USA. Four years ago, the USA played France, Colombia and New Zealand at the London Games and won its fourth gold medal. In August, it will face New Zealand, France and Colombia -- in that order -- in Group G.

As in the past, women's soccer will open before the opening ceremonies. The USA will play its first two games in Belo Horizonte -- site of the fame 1950 men's victory over England at the World Cup -- then move to the Amazonia Stadium in Manaus, where the USA played Portugal at the 2014 World Cup.

"It's always a positive to learn your path at a major tournament and it gives our team and staff increased focus on the challenges we will face in Brazil," said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. "We have tremendous respect for all of our opponents and know each one will bring a different style that we must be prepared for, but as always our prime focus continues to be on the evolution of this team so we are playing our best during the Olympics."

The USA has faced France (1-0 win) and Colombia (7-0 and 3-0 wins) in the last two months as it went 11-0-0 during its pre-NWSL schedule. It last played New Zealand in April 2015, winning, 4-0, in St. Louis.

Brazil will face China, Sweden and South Africa in Group E, while Germany will play Canada, Zimbabwe and Australia in Group G.

The top two teams in each group plus the top two third-place teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

U.S. Women's Schedule:
Aug. 3 in Belo Horizonte
New Zealand, 6 p.m. ET
Aug. 6 in Belo HorizonteFrance, 4 p.m. ET
Aug. 9  in Manaus
Colombia, 6 p.m. ET