Striker Marie-Laure Delie scored the first goal of the women's World Cup Sunday, leading France to a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the tournament opener.
In Sunday's other Group A game, host Germany plays Canada at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. With Germany the overwhelming favourite to advance, the 56th minute strike from Delie gave France the best possible start to join them.
“We have three points in our pocket and no one can take them away from us,” said coach Bruno Bini.
More than 25,000 boisterous fans watched the match at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, giving the three-week tournament the spectacular kickoff organizers wanted.
With the crowd cheering both sides and a Nigerian brass band adding relentless rhythm under sunny skies, it was a stage most of the players had never experienced.
“We are not used to play in circumstances like this, it is a real pleasure,” said Delie.
France dominated most of the match, with playmaker Louisa Necib involved in much of the side's build-up play. As smooth as the Olympique Lyon star was, she limited too many of her moves to the midfield rather than putting pressure on Nigeria's defence upfield.
“She is an artist,” said Bini. “She was working for the team.”
Still, her outstanding performance got her the Player of the Match award.
It was ironic that France scored on one of Necib's few errors. When Eugenie Le Sommer crossed from the right, Necib missed her shot, allowing Delie to take the ball in the centre, control it, and stab it home.
“The purpose of a striker is to score and there you have it,” said Delie.
Earlier, France's Gaetane Thiney had hit the post from close range in the 18th minute.
French pressure forced Nigeria to rely on the counterattack, yet the Super Falcons often lacked the speed and skills to execute. When Desire Oparanozie did break through and forced a one-on-one with goalie Berangere Sapowicz for the best first-half chance, the 17-year old shot woefully wide.
Nigeria is the perennial African champion and has reached all five women's World Cups. But all too often the team has failed to get out of the first round and it could be more of the same this year.
France was undefeated in qualifying and with a first victory here is quickly turning into a real contender.
Source: The Globe and Mail
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