Women''s football WC kicks off in Germany

Germany prepare to host footballers for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, with an opening fixture against Canada on Sunday. The hosts of the illustrious tournament look to maintain their consecutive two-title winning domination - in the past 2003 and 2007 competitions - aiming to add a third to their record tally, which is on equal terms with the United States. Along with the host favorites and Canada, Group A includes France and Nigeria, who also meet later today. Group B includes Japan, Mexico, England and New Zealand. Also favourites to win the competition, two-time champions the US lock heads with 2003 runners-up Sweden, North Korea and Columbia. Runners-up in 2007, Brazil, led by deadly striker and skipper Martha head into Group D against Australia, one-time champions Norway and Guinea. The matches will be played across nine stadiums in nine host cities, starting with Berlin's Olympic Stadium, with the tournament ending on July 17.