June 26, 2011 -- Updated 1909 GMT (0309 HKT)
Kerstin Garefrekes (far left) celebrates Germany's opening goal in their 2-1 World Cup victory over Canada.
(CNN) -- Host nation Germany have begun the defense of their women's World Cup title with a 2-1 Group A victory over Canada in Berlin.
In front of a sell-out crowd of over 73,000 in the Olympic Stadium, the tournament winners in 2003 and 2007 scored twice in the first half to always leave Canada with a mountain top climb to get back into the match.
Midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes opened the scoring in the 10th minute when she headed home a left-wing cross from Babett Peter.
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And Celia Okoyino da Mbabi added a second just before the interval, running unchallenged onto a long Garefrekes through-ball to shoot past goalkeeper Erin McLeod.
Germany had chances to extend their advantage after the break, but substitute Alexandra Popp and Kim Kulig both hit the crossbar with efforts.
And Canada snatched a goal back in the 82nd minute with a free-kick from captain Christine Sinclair.
The result means Germany top the group after one match from France, who defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the day's other Group A tie in Sinsheim.
Monday sees two more matches being played, with England facing Mexico and Japan taking on New Zealand, both in Group B.
Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)
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