Canada loses to Germany in 2011 Women's World Cup opener

An unforgiving German side faced off against a valiant Canadian squad Sunday in the opener of the Women’s World Cup. Germany won the game 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd in Berlin’s Olimpiastadion. Almost 74,000 people were in attendance.

Germany scored both goals in the first half of the game. It took a free kick from Canadian captain Christine Sinclair late in the game to close the gap,  but it was not enough to beat the two-time defending champions.

It was, however, the first time the German side has allowed a goal in the World Cup since 2003.  

Canadian coach Carolina Morace said the team had simply hoped to put in a good effort against Germany.

Canada will face France on Thursday. The French beat Nigeria 1-0 on Sunday.