Germany trounced Argentina 11-0 with a record-setting victory in the opening game of the women's World Cup yesterday, sending a message the Germans are serious about defending the title they won four years ago.
The margin of victory was the largest in the women's World Cup, and the goals were the most by a single team.
Veteran forwards Birgit Prinz and Sandra Smisek combined for six goals -- three each -- as the Germans dominated every part of the game.
PHOTO: AFP
Prinz, playing in her 165th game for Germany, scored with a thumping header, knocked in a loose ball at the far post and then slipped a glancing header past Argentine goalkeeper Vanina Correa.
The last was Prinz's 12th overall in the World Cup finals, surpassing the previous German record of 11 by Bettina Wiegmann.
Smisek, who has played nearly 120 times for Germany, scored a second-half hat trick.
With Germany's midfield in complete control, the Germans were able to knock balls over the Argentine back wall and also attack down the wings for a 5-0 lead at halftime.
Prinz scored twice in the first half for Germany, who also got a lucky first goal in the 12th minute when Correa punched a corner kick from Melanie Behringer into the back of her own net.
The other first half goals for Germany, who beat Sweden in extra time in the final four years ago, came from forward Kerstin Garefrekes and midfielder Melanie Behringer.
The second half started the same way for Germany, with veteran midfielder Renate Lingor jumping on a poor clearance at the edge of the area to loop it over Correa into the far corner.
Smisek then took over, seizing on errors in the Argentine defense. Her partner up front, Prinz, also scored once in the second half. Correa also mishandled another corner kick in the last minute of play for Germany's 11 goal.
The huge win was a strong message to the other favored teams in the tournament, especially the US, who are ranked No. 1 in the world, one spot ahead of the Germans. The Americans are to open today in Group B against North Korea.
The other Group A opener today has Japan playing England.
The 16-team tournament is spread around five cities in China with the final in Shanghai on Sept. 30.
Argentina were without suspended Catalina Perez and also lost the services of their midfielder Mariela Coronel late on the eve of the tournament because of a knee injury.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely