Defending champions, Germany, got-off to a flying start, thumping South American and tournament debutantes, Venezuela 3-1 at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
Venezuela’s Mariana Speckmaier levelled the score line at 1, before Germany got back the lead with Gier’s second, while Lea Schueller grabbed the 3rd goal on 51 minutes.
The 2014 champions Germany, opened the scoring in just 2 minutes into play, with the first opportunity came when Jana Feldkamp’s cross from the right found Gier, who bagged her first.
As the game progressed, Venezuela, getting into the rhythm of the game, grabbed a well-deserved equaliser when 18-year-old Mariana Speckmaier received the ball inside to make it 1-1.
Just before the break, the reigning champions were back in front as Gier got her second from close range.
Germany, who have reached the final in each of the last three editions, doubled their advantage in the second-half when Schueller converted from just outside the area.
Stefanie Sanders came close to notching a 4th goal for the Germans in injury time after dribbling through two defenders and firing towards goal, but her effort was blocked.
The reigning champions will face Mexico in Group D on November 17, while Venezuela meets the Korean Republic.
