Hosts and defending champions Germany got their women's World Cup campaign off to a flying start on Sunday as they beat Group A rivals Canada 2-1 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
Having won both the 2003 and 2007 editions, Germany are bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles on home soil and had few problems against the Canadians, who threatened the German goal on only rare occasions.
First-half goals by midfielders Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi put the hosts in control before Canada captain Christine Sinclair, who broke her nose in the first half, slotted home a late free-kick for the guests.
The win puts the Germans top of Group A after France's earlier 1-0 win over Nigeria.
"We got two goals in the first half and didn't play so well, then in the second half we were much better organised, but we couldn't score," said Germany coach Silvia Neid.
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Hosts and defending champions Germany got their women's World Cup campaign off to a flying start on Sunday as they beat Group A rivals Canada 2-1 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
Having won both the 2003 and 2007 editions, Germany are bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles on home soil and had few problems against the Canadians, who threatened the German goal on only rare occasions.
First-half goals by midfielders Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi put the hosts in control before Canada captain Christine Sinclair, who broke her nose in the first half, slotted home a late free-kick for the guests.
The win puts the Germans top of Group A after France's earlier 1-0 win over Nigeria.
"We got two goals in the first half and didn't play so well, then in the second half we were much better organised, but we couldn't score," said Germany coach Silvia Neid.
