Fifa 2011 Women’s World Cup: Germany beat Canada, France down Nigeria

FIFA Womens World Cup 2011, Germany – Canada Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi

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Group A

Nigeria 0-1 France

At the Rhein-Neckar Arena, in Sinsheim, France were made to work hard to move past a stubborn Nigeria, and only gained the lead in the second-half, through Marie-Laure Delie.

The first chance on goal came right after the quarter-hour mark, when Nigeria keeper Precious Dede had to fly to parry away Elise Bussaglia’s strike from distance. Nigeria almost scored shortly after, when a through pass found Desiree Oparanozie, but the striker could not find the target, with just the ‘keeper to beat.

France’s goal would come 11 minutes after the break, as Delie volleyed home a Eugenie Le Sommer low cross from the right to give her side their first victory since USA 2003, when they made their last appearance at a World Cup.

Germany 2-1 Canada

A late Christine Sinclair goal was unable to prevent Canada from losing to tournament hosts Germany, who bagged first-half goals through Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Da Mbabi.

Germany got off to a flying start and broke the deadlock on nine minutes, as Garefrekes headed home a cross from the left. Five minutes before the break, Da Mbabi picked up a long ball and increased her side’s lead with a low finish.

Canada came more determined in the second half, but only reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, in a Sinclair free-kick strike. After the end of the match, coach Caroline Morace told Goal.com the prolific Canadian striker is likely miss her side’s second group match, against Nigeria, with a broken nose.