Big names find their form

By Paul Saffer

The favourites have underlined their status with some fine performances in the opening 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup group matches.

Germany win
UEFA Women's Championship holders Germany spearheaded Europe's challenge with a 4-1 comeback win against Canada, while 1995 world champions Norway and dark horses Russia also gained three points.

'First step'
It was all going wrong for Germany when Christine Sinclair gave Group C rivals Canada a fourth-minute lead. But goals from Bettina Wiegman, Stefanie Gottschlich, Birgit Prinz and Kerstin Garefrekes turned the game, and coach Tina Theune-Meyer believes: "We have taken the first step towards winning the group."

Level head
Indeed, victory against Japan on Wednesday could seal a last-eight place, but midfield anchor Maren Meinert is keeping a level head. "The worst thing we could do is tell ourselves we are already through and underestimate Japan," she said. Japan's 6-0 win against Argentina, including a World Cup record eight-minute hat-trick from Mio Otani, is proof of that.

Tight encounter
Norway and France's Group B meeting was as tight as expected in Philadelphia. Only goals early in the second half from Norway's Anita Rapp and Dagny Mellgren separated the teams. With Brazil beating the Korean Republic 3-0, that win could prove vital for Norway, whose coach Åge Steen had no hesitation in praising recalled goalkeeper Bente Nordby

Goalkeeper the difference
"We would not have won today without Bente," Steen said. "She was the difference today. She was the best goalkeeper in the world at the 1995 World Cup. She proved she is still among the best." And she will have to show that form again on Wednesday when Norway meet Brazil.

No excuses
France, who earned their finals debut by beating England in a play-off, take on the Korean Republic. Coach Elisabeth Loisiel made no excuses for their defeat, saying: "We failed, as usual, to convert our opportunities against Norway. Against Korea we will face a different challenge with a short passing game compared to the physical long-ball play of Norway."

Sweden defeated
The other defeated European team were Sweden, but their 3-1 Group A loss against holders the United States, inspired by the legendary Mia Hamm and their home support, was no disgrace, although Thursday's opponents the People's Democratic Republic of Korea were in ominous form in beating Nigeria 3-0.

Ljungberg hurt
Sweden were never the same after Hanna Ljungberg was hurt following an early collision with US goalkeeper Briana Sherry, but Swedish coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors knows they will need their key striker on Thursday. "She did not play as well as normal because she had an injury, but I hope she will be better for the North Korea game," Domanski-Lyfors said.

Formina heroics
Russia's 2-1 Group D win against Australia was dramatic, with Elena Formina scoring a last-gasp goal soon after missing a penalty. Russian coach Yuri Bystritsky said: "The three points now stands us in good stead for a place in the quarter-finals," and indeed victory against Ghana on Thursday could prove enough.

Fine performances
It may need to be, as 1999 finalists China overcame the Africans 1-0 in the group's other game thanks to a goal from the player voted the best of the last tournament, Sun Wen. China may have beaten Ghana 7-0 four years ago, but Sun Wen's goal, along with fine performances from Prinz, Nordby and Hamm show that there is no substitute for experience on a stage like the World Cup.