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.
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