SINSHEIM, Germany -- Striker Marie-Laure Delie scored the first goal of the womens World Cup Sunday, leading France to a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the tournament opener. In Sundays other Group A game, host Germany plays Canada at Berlins Olympic Stadium. With Germany the overwhelming favourite to advance, the 56th minute strike from Delie gave France the best possible start to join them. "We have three points in our pocket and no one can take them away from us," said coach Bruno Bini. More than 25,000 boisterous fans watched the match at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, giving the three-week tournament the spectacular kickoff organizers wanted. With the crowd cheering both sides and a Nigerian brass band adding relentless rhythm under sunny skies, it was a stage most of the players had never experienced. "We are not used to play in circumstances like this, it is a real pleasure," said Delie. France dominated most of the match, with playmaker Louisa Necib involved in much of the sides build-up play. As smooth as the Olympique Lyon star was, she limited too many of her moves to the midfield rather than putting pressure on Nigerias defence upfield. "She is an artist," said Bini. "She was working for the team." Still, her outstanding performance got her the Player of the Match award. It was ironic that France scored on one of Necibs few errors. When Eugenie Le Sommer crossed from the right, Necib missed her shot, allowing Delie to take the ball in the centre, control it, and stab it home. "The purpose of a striker is to score and there you have it," said Delie. Earlier, Frances Gaetane Thiney had hit the post from close range in the 18th minute. French pressure forced Nigeria to rely on the counterattack, yet the Super Falcons often lacked the speed and skills to execute. When Desire Oparanozie did break through and forced a one-on-one with goalie Berangere Sapowicz for the best first-half chance, the 17-year old shot woefully wide. Nigeria is the perennial African champion and has reached all five womens World Cups. But all too often the team has failed to get out of the first round and it could be more of the same this year. France was undefeated in qualifying and with a first victory here is quickly turning into a real contender. cheap jerseys from china . Arrieta signed with Columbus in April, but the Costa Rican forward debuted for the Crew this month. He scored in the 17th and 34th minutes as Columbus erased an early deficit for its second straight win over an Eastern Conference foe. cheap china jerseys .A. Happ capped a challenging season with one of his best efforts of the year. http://www.cheapjerseyschina.cc/ . Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., to Portuguese parents, the 32-year-old featherweight from Ajax, Ont., says it wont take long for the UFC 142 fans to figure out he is not a local. cheap jerseys . Randy Cunneyworth liked the work ethi of his hockey clubc last night, and believes his team deserved a better fate. Today consisted of some extra work on the power play with the focus on getting pucks on net with bodies in front. cheap nfl jerseys china . The Charles Schwab Cup points leader followed his opening 65 with a 71 to match Mike Goodes, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Anders Forsbrand at 8 under. (Sports Network) - When Tim Wakefield takes the hill against his former Pirates club for just the second time in his career tonight, a sense of what if may just settle into the executive offices of PNC Park. Wakefield looks to take another step toward the career 200