Women's World Cup kicks off 女足世界杯开赛

In a world dominated by men's football it's the turn of women to take centre stage 舞台中心 in the game.

The Women's World Cup 女足世界杯 has just got off to a thrilling start with the holders and hosts Germany beating Canada 2-1, and France seeing off Nigeria 1-0 in Group A.

In the opening games, high skill and drama were on display. Germany fought hard for its tight victory over Canada, indicating that the tournament's favourite (比赛中）被认为最有希望获胜者 is by no means certain of lifting the trophy for the third time in a row.

The 32-match competition, comprising four groups of four teams, will be played at nine venues across Germany. The group winners and runners-up will progress to the quarter-finals, ending with the final in Frankfurt on 17 July.

The game for women has come a long way 有了很大的进步 since 1970 when the German authorities said such a combative sport 有竞争性的运动 was "fundamentally alien to the female nature" 对于女性来说是完全陌生的 and violated 违反，触犯 "etiquette and decency 礼仪和举止行为."

Even just a few years ago it would have been a pretty low-key event 低调的赛事。Now, though, the women's game is gaining ground 取得进展 and winning admirers 赢得关注和粉丝 - even among men.

Rachel Yankey, who plays for England, is urging new fans of her team not to compare the women's style of play with what they are used to in the men's game.

For this year's tournament, 80% of the 900,000 tickets have been sold. Public viewing areas 公众观看场地 have been set up in cities to accommodate large groups of fans who want to watch the games. All 32 matches in the tournament will also be broadcast live in Germany by the two public television channels.