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Holders Germany beat Canada in opening World Cup match

Kerstin Garefrekes (far left) celebrates Germany's opening goal in their 2-1 World Cup victory over Canada.
Kerstin Garefrekes (far left) celebrates Germany's opening goal in their 2-1 World Cup victory over Canada.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Germany begin women's World Cup with a 2-1 win over Canada in Berlin
  • A sell-out crowd of over 73,000 watches hoosts and holders start with a victory
  • France defeat Nigeria 1-0 in Sunday's other Group A match in Sinsheim

(CNN) -- Host nation Germany have begun the defense of their women's World Cup title with a 2-1 Group A victory over Canada in Berlin on Sunday.

In front of a sell-out crowd of over 73,000 in the Olympic Stadium, the tournament winners in 2003 and 2007 scored twice in the first half to always leave Canada with a mountain top climb to get back into the match.

Midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes opened the scoring in the 10th minute when she headed home a left-wing cross from Babett Peter.

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And Celia Okoyino da Mbabi added a second just before the interval, running unchallenged onto a long Garefrekes through-ball to shoot past goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

It was the first game so we were a bit nervous
--Kerstin Garefrekes
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Germany had chances to extend their advantage after the break, but substitute Alexandra Popp and Kim Kulig both hit the crossbar with efforts.

And Canada snatched a goal back in the 82nd minute with a free-kick from captain Christine Sinclair.

"It was the first game so we were a bit nervous," Garefrekes told reporters.

"There is room for improvements and we will improve," she added.

The result means Germany top the group from France, who defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the day's other Group A tie in Sinsheim.

Monday sees two more matches being played, with England facing Mexico and Japan taking on New Zealand, both in Group B.