The sixth Women’s World Cup began with two closely contested matches in front of full crowds.
» Nigeria 00-01 France: The Super Falcons’ Desire OPARANOZIE nearly had the first goal of the tournament, but with just goalkeeper Bérangère SAPOWICZ to beat, Oparanozie sent it well wide. Marie-Laure DELIE did score the first goal to give France a favourable start in Group A.
» Germany 02-01 Canada: In front of more than 70,000 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, the favoured hosts held on to move into first place. Kerstin GAREFREKES scored one and should have had a second, only to send the ball over the bar with an open net. Canada pulled one back with Christine SINCLAIR’s 82nd minute goal, the first that Germany had conceded at a Women’s World Cup since 2003.