<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Germany triumphs in World Cup opener at home

The Columbian
Published: June 25, 2011, 5:00pm

BERLIN (AP) — Germany has made a grand start to the Women’s World Cup, defeating Canada 2-1 before a capacity crowd of 73,680 at Olympic Stadium.

Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi scored for the two-time defending champions in the official opening game. Christine Sinclair of Canada scored on a free kick in the 82nd minute.

The game took place after an opening ceremony in which a globe was “peeled” to reveal a mirror ball reflecting fans in festive mood. Hundreds of helium soccer balls were then released to the sky.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, German President Christian Wulff and FIFA President Sepp Blatter were among those at the game.

Earlier, France defeated 1-0 in Sinsheim, the first game of the three-week tournament.

Loading...