Canada to open against Germany at FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011

Canada will open the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 this Sunday 26 June. Drawn against the host for the opening match, Canada will help kick off the biggest women’s football tournament in the world with a 17.45 local kick off at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany.

As this competition features three equally-important matches in the group phase, Canada is as focused on its performance as it is focused with the result. Canada knows it is facing the best team in two-time defending champion Germany. A strong performance regardless of the score is crucial in preparation for its next two matches against France (30 June in Bochum) and Nigeria (5 July in Dresden).

"We respect Germany as we know it is the best team in the world," said national head coach Carolina Morace. "We can’t go out to play our match against the champions. We have to play very well defensively and adapt to their game."

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, will have had one week of training in Berlin in advance of the tournament opener. An expected 70,000-plus German fans will be in attendance for the opener, as well as a small contingent of at least 500 Canadian fans that have traveled to Europe and have been lucky enough to obtain tickets.

The Canadian team had been training in Roma, Italy before its arrival on 19 June. Its 2011 record is 10 wins, one draw and two losses in 13 matches. This marks the first time in team history that Canada has posted back-to-back seasons with 10 or more wins.