Germany off to perfect start in women's World Cup

Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi led host nation Germany to a 2-1 win over Canada in the official opening game of the women's World Cup on Sunday after an impressive opening ceremony.

Christine Sinclair scored for Canada with a free kick in the 82nd minute.

The game took place after the opening ceremony in which a globe was "peeled" to reveal a mirrorball reflecting the fans in festive mood, before it released hundreds of helium footballs into the sky.

German President Christian Wulff, Chancellor Angela Merkel and FIFA President Sepp Blatter were among the capacity crowd of 73,680 at the Olympic stadium.

Earlier, Marie-Laure Delie scored the first goal of the three-week tournament to give France a 1-0 victory over Nigeria.