Germany as hosts qualified automatically and were strongly fancied to complete a hat-trick of titles given their home advantage. Canada had won the CONCACAF Gold Cup, beating the hosts Mexico in the final. France had beaten Italy 3-2 over two-legs in the UEFA direct qualification play-offs and Nigeria had won the African Championship for the eighth time.
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Nigeria
France
In hot conditions that suited the west African team, France had to work hard for this win. Marie-Laure Delie scored the crucial goal from close range eleven minutes into the second half. From then on France had to dig deep as Nigeria pressed but without really threatening to score.
Germany
Canada
Germany scored twice in the first half but were unable to increase their lead after the break. In the closing minutes their grip on the match was slipping away and after Laudehr was booked eight minutes from time, Christine Sinclair, playing with a broken nose, scored from the resulting free-kick. In the final seconds the German goalkeeper, Angerer, made a fine save to deny Canada a draw.
This was the official opening match of the tournament, although Nigeria and France had played earlier in the day and the only game staged in Berlin.
Canada
France
France looked a more assured team than in their opening game in a comfortable win.
Germany
Nigeria
Once again Nigeria proved they were tough opponents, confining the hosts and world champions to a single goal, scored by Laudehr in the 54th minute.
France
Germany
Headed goals from Garefrekes and Grings in the first half put Germany in the driving seat but ten minutes into the second half, Delie pulled one back for France with a glancing header at the near post from a corner. Shortly afterwards, the French goalkeeper was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Bajramaj and Grings converted the penalty. Only four minutes later Georges scored again for France with yet another header from a corner to set up a thrilling finish. With two minutes of normal time left, Okoyino da Mbabi was left with a simple chance after her marker rushed across to intercept a cross.
Canada
Nigeria
There was nothing to play for here but pride and it was Nigeria who prevailed with a late goal by Nkwocha.