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Canada defeat Argentina 2-1 in women’s opener

Canada wore down Argentina to win its Olympic debut 2-1 yesterday, getting a goal in each half and using a significant size advantage to subdue the South Americans.

Coming out of her center back position, Candace Chapman put Canada ahead in the 27th minute. She ran onto a corner that was deflected more than 30 meters from goal and struck a right-footed volley that skipped inside the left post. Kara Lang added the second in the 72nd, heading Rhian Wilkinson’s free kick from 10 meters.

Argentina exploited some late pressure for a goal in the 85th.

Mariela Coronel got past a fallen Wilkinson and dropped a ball into the path of second-half substitute Ludmila Manicler, who volleyed the ball from 10 meters.

A ragged game for the first 30 minutes, Canada finally took control after Chapman’s goal, capitalizing on an average advantage of 6kg and 6cm in the starting lineups.

The victory gives Canada momentum for its next two Group E matches, against host China on Saturday and European Championship semi-finalist Sweden on Tuesday.

JAPAN 2, NEW ZEALAND 2

In Qinhuangdao, midfielders Aya Miyama and Homare Sawa scored second-half goals to rally Japan to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

New Zealand, making its Olympic debut in the event, took the lead in the 33rd minute when forward Alexandra Riley slipped past defender Miyuki Yanagit and sent a low ball across to Kirsty Yallop, who calmly tapped it in.

South African referee Deidre Mitchell then awarded a penalty kick after players tumbled in the box on a New Zealand corner kick in the 57th minute, and forward Amber Hearn converted the ensuing penalty.

Japan plays the US next in Group G, while New Zealand takes on Norway.

GERMANY 0, BRAZIL 0

Germany and Brazil battled to a scoreless draw in Group F in Shenyang, China.

The World Cup finalists from last year, who have the misfortune of being placed together in the “pool of death” with Nigeria and North Korea, were not without their chances in a fast-paced spectacle.

Although neither side would be satisfied with a draw, Brazil at least had the satisfaction of not conceding a goal to Germany after losing 0-2 the last time they met in the World Cup final.

CHINA 2, SWEDEN 1

In Tianjin, Han Duan scored her 101st goal and host China celebrated the start of competition at the Beijing Olympics with a 2-1 victory in Group E.

After a furious first half, the game settled in the final 45 minutes and seemed headed for a draw. Lotta Schelin finished a rapid counter in the 38th with a classic finish, equalizing for Sweden after a sixth-minute strike by Xu Yuan.

NORWAY 2, USA 0

In Qinhuangdao, Norway jumped on the US from the opening whistle, getting two goals in the first four minutes to beat the US women’s soccer team 2-0 in Group G.

The Norwegians looked like the medal contender they’re supposed to be, while the Americans never looked the part.

Forward Leni Laursen Kaurin outjumped and outmuscled US defender Lori Chalupny to head the ball over charging goalkeeper Hope Solo and into an open net in the second minute.

Two minutes later, Melissa Wiik latched onto a through ball on the right side, outraced US captain Christie Rampone and curled a right-footed shot over Solo and just inside the far post.

NORTH KOREA 1, NIGERIA 0

In Shenyang, Kim Kyong-hwa scored a first-half goal as North Korea beat Nigeria 1-0 to jump to the lead of Group F in the women’s Olympic soccer tournament.

Yesterday’s victory put the North Koreans atop the group after title contenders Germany and Brazil drew 0-0 earlier in the day.
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