Women's World Cup Updates: 9/20
Norway, North Korea, Germany, Japan win openers
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Two former W-League players accounted for three goals and an assist on opening day of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. Homare Sawa led Japan to a 6-0 win over Argentina with two goals and an assist while Christine Sinclair scored the lone goal in Canada's 4-1 loss to Germany. Norway picked up a 2-0 win over France and Mercy Akide's Nigeria side were blanked 3-0 by North Korea.
Scores / W-League Alumni Updates
Norway 2 :: 0 France
Former Tampa Bay Extreme midfielder Kristine Edner did not play, but her side picked up the win and the early lead in Group B.
Nigeria 0 :: 3 North Korea
W-League 2003 Championship MVP Mercy Akide of the Hampton Roads Piranhas had a few standout moments but was unable to lead her side to a victory over the Asian champion North Koreans, who saw Pyol Hui Jin score twice in a 3-0 win in Group A. Piranhas' teammate Florence Omagbemi also started the match, but came out of the game in the 44th minute. Former Piranha and Charlotte Lady Eagle Patience Avre came into the match for Nigeria at halftime. North Korea now holds the lead in Group A while Nigeria faces a tough road with the United States, who kicks off tomorrow against Sweden, as their next opponent.
Germany 4 :: 1 Canada
Loaded with W-League alumni, only former Vancouver Whitecaps forward Christine Sinclair would find the back of the net for the Canadians, giving them a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute on an assist from former Ottawa Fury player Kristinia Kiss. Germany, however, would score four unanswered for the win.
Japan 6 :: 0 Argentina
Former Denver Diamond player Homare Sawa was one of four players on the day to register two or more goals with a dominating, brilliant performance. Her two goals gave Japan the early 2-0 lead at halftime as they cruised to the win with a second half hat-trick from Mio Otani, who leads the tournament with her three goals. Sawa set up Otani's second goal with a superb cross into the box for a diving Otani header.
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