The opening games of the 2011 Women's World Cup - or Frauen WM (Weltmeisterschaft) as it's called in Germany where it's being played - are in the books and not surprisingly, France and host Germany are atop the standings with 3 points each.
France edged Nigeria, 1-0, on a 56th-minute goal by Marie-Laure Delie. Germany, playing before 73,680, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the Berlin Olympic Stadium, downed tougher-than-expected Canada, 2-1.
I watched the Germany-Canada match, in which German used a head ball from 5'-11" Kersten Garefrekes in the 10th minute to take a lead it would never relinquish. But it wasn't as easy as some thought it would be. Canada's Christine Sinclair missed a golden opportunity to even the score when she broke through Germany's central defense but sent the ball over the bar. Celia Okoyinoi Da Mbabi gave the hosts a 2-0 lead three minutes before intermission. Germany had other chances but Canadian keeper, Erin McLeod, was strong in the net.
Germany couldn't break it open and in the 82nd minute Sinclair made things interesting with a goal for Canada - the first score Germany has allowed in World Cup play since the '03 final. But that was it for Canada and Germany had the anticipated three points.
The United States opens Tuesday against North Korea in Dresden, the only venue in the former East Germany.
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