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Germany opens title defense against Canada

Jun 26, 2011 - 3:33 AM Berlin, Germany (Sports Network) - Germany opens pursuit of its third straight Women's World Cup title Sunday against Canada, and the hosts are overwhelming favorites to extend their reign.

Germany defeated Sweden in the 2003 final, capped a perfect tournament in 2007 with a 2-0 win over Brazil in the championship, and enter the 2011 tournament as the class of the event.

In addition to claiming the last two World Cups, Germany has won five straight Euro titles, and coach Silvia Neid's team is no less intimidating this year.

With over 70,000 fans expected at Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Sunday, Germany has an opportunity to display its dominance early against Canada, which should also escape Group A and advance to the knockout round.

"Of course, we want to claim a third consecutive title," Neid said, according to Bild. "It is going to be a tough challenge, but I promise we will do our best.

"We would be naive to say we will win the world title again, behind the titles in 2003 and 2007 was a lot of hard work and a bit of luck."

Birgit Prinz remains the backbone for the Germans, and with 128 goals in 208 games all-time, it's hard to question her credentials. Prinz is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 14 goals.

Germany's riches stretch far behind Prinz, as goalie Nadine Angerer, who saved a penalty against Marta in the 2007 championship, and defender Ariane Hingst, a veteran of three World Cups, are just some of the talented veterans.

In Prinz's shadows, striker Inka Grings has been named Germany Player of the Year the last two years and was the top scorer at both Euro 2005 and 2009.

"We want to realize our greatest dream, to win the World Cup three times in a row," Neid said. "For that, we'll have to play to the peak of our ability."

If Germany plays to its ability Sunday, Canada could be in trouble. Germany is undefeated in nine previous meetings against Canada, with the most recent game in 2009 resulting in a 5-0 win.

But Canadian boss Carolina Moracen, who can counter Prinz with 116-goal scorer Christine Sinclair, believes there is more pressure on Germany.

"The challenge in front of us is a big one," Morace said, "but the pressure to perform clearly lies with Germany."

Canada's best performance in the World Cup was 2003, when it ended fourth. But four years ago proved how important the opening game can be, as Canada lost to Norway, and a victory over Ghana and a draw with Australia was not enough to survive.

In addition to Sinclair, Moracen will lean on goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, who will become the second Canadian to appear in four World Cups. LeBlanc will be under pressure against Germany.

But with the pressure on Germany, if Canada can follow its CONCACAF title with an upset - even a tie would be worthy of that title - it would signal the team has finally arrived as a contender on the international level.