Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - One down, five to go -- but no match less important than the next, or the previous, for the steadfast women of the U.S. national side.

A gutsy, well-managed and hard-played 3-1 victory over Sweden Sunday was the first in a long road of battles if the defending-champion Americans are to repeat their world title in 2003.

After a well-earned day of rest Tuesday, the States' -- relaxed and rejuvenated -- refuel for Thursday's pitch clash against the athletic Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The U.S. is riding high after its triumph over Sweden, in which the team displayed great vision and depth, guile and tact, and even a little bit of gamesmanship. Many expected the Swedish to hand the holders a greater challenge, but whatever the Scandinavians threw at them, the U.S. was quick to counter.

U.S. head coach April Heinrichs said she believes her U.S. troops will return from their day off even hungrier for what lies ahead.

"I'm a big believer in the power of a day off," Heinrichs said on FIFA's web site. "These women will not de-condition. They are hungry, and with a day off they will come to practice tomorrow even more hungry to train."

While there was a larger gap between the States -- the world's number-one women's side -- and the fifth-ranked Swedes than originally predicted, Heinrichs knows Nigeria won't be a cakewalk as the Super Eagles find themselves in a must-win situation after dropping their opening decision to North Korea, 3-0.

"I suspect that we are going to find them in a desperate situation because they need three points," said Heinrichs the Americans' African opponent. "And we are going to be desperate because this is our next chance at three points.

"Nigeria is a dangerous team. They are athletic and unpredictable. When you have a team that is committed to staying in front of their goal, combined with their athleticism, quickness and courage they have, it is dangerous."

One key factor against the physically-punishing Nigerians will be the play of collegian Cat Reddick, who replaced popular defender Brandi Chastain in the U.S. beck line following halftime of Sunday's win.

Chastain broke the third metatarsal bone in her left foot, and is expected to at least miss the remainder of the first round for the U.S. Reddick has already been penciled in as the sure starter for Thursday.

"Not having her (Chastain) hurts us for sure, but there are six other people who can fill that role," said U.S. defender Kate Sobrero. "It's going to be a tough role to fill. I don't think you can replace Brandi, you just hope to fill the spot."

But Reddick, the youngest U.S. squad member at 21, is equipped with all the tools to succeed in the Americans' defensive scheme, Heinrichs admitted.

"Catherine Reddick would probably be the most obvious choice given that we put her in the other day against Sweden," said Heinrichs. "She is somebody that we have been considering for two years as a center back for us. She has all the tools."

Chastain, who could be found on crutches while the U.S. team trained in a suburb of Philadelphia, said any one of the 20 players who make up the U.S. side could well fill any role Heinrichs put them in.

"Cat did a great job coming in against Sweden," said Chastain. "But I really believe we have 20 players who can start and play for this team."

For Nigeria's part, the Super Eagles said they won't be intimidated by the success the U.S. has had in the past.

"We will absolutely be going for all the points," said coach Samuel Okpodu. "We really have no choice at this point. We will give them everything we have. One point won't really do us much good now, so we will be out there to win the match and get the three points we should have gotten in our first match.

"This is football and you can never know what to expect. Truly, we will be ready for the match ... we are going to go and do it."

The U.S., which would earn a place in the quarterfinals with a victory over the Nigerians, are set to expect anything from the unpredictable Super Eagles, who netted an early goal before the Americans ran off seven unanswered striker at USA '99 four years ago in group play.

Heinrichs said Nigeria possesses the courage and versatility to upset any one of the favored sides of the tournament, including hers.

However, she believes the U.S. is well equipped to handle whatever gets thrown at them.

"We can get athletic if we want to get athletic, we can get a little more sophisticated on the ball if we want to do that," said Heinrichs. "I think for the most part, we feel we could start anyone."

Sobrero said that while the American might possess more skill, they must respect all of their opponents, including Nigeria, if they expect to be the last team standing at the end of the World Cup.

"We really respect Nigeria as a team," said Sobrero. "Anyone that doesn't respect their athleticism is crazy because they can tear through defenses with their speed and their power. We don't look past anyone because anyone can beat you if you don't come to play."

NOTES: The U.S. is 17-1-1 since 1991 in World Cup play.