The top-ranked U.S. national team was placed Saturday into an impressive Group of Death for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, though that difficult assignment may work in its favor in the long run. After the 24-team draw in Ottawa, the Americans were stuck in Group D with the toughest possible opponents: Australia, Sweden and Nigeria. Sweden is ranked fifth in the world, is led by the former U.S. coach, Pia Sundhage, and defeated the Americans in group play at the 2011 World Cup. “Certainly we’re in the toughest group,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. “It’s going to be a physically challenging group. Our depth is going to come into play for us. It’ll prepare us for the knockout stages. We’ve got to hit the ground running.” Australia is ranked 10th in the world, while Nigeria, No. 35, is considered the best of the African nations. “I’m kind of speechless,” said U.S. forward Alex Morgan, reacting to the draw while commentating on Fox. The Americans’ first-round schedule is not particularly friendly, from a geographic or competitive standpoint. The U.S. team will play its first two matches in relatively remote Winnipeg, and its third match on the West Coast. The…