REIMS, France — The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup started Friday and host France opened the tournament with a resounding 4-0 Group A victory over South Korea.
Now, the first full day of matches begins. Group B teams will kick of Saturday with Germany vs. China at 9 a.m. ET in Rennes and Spain vs. South Africa at noon in Le Havre. Group A opponents Norway and Nigeria will play the last game of the day at 3 p.m. in Reims.
How to watch
Germany v. China
Time: 9 a.m. ET
Location: Rennes
TV: Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports Go
What to know: Germany is a two-time World Cup winner (2003, 2007) and enters the tournament ranked No. 2 in the world, behind the United States. Midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsán and forward Alexandra Popp are leaders on a strong roster led by a new coach.
China is ranked 16th and has never won a World Cup title, though made it the 1999 final, where it lost to the U.S. in penalties. This is a youthful squad on the rise with a solid defense. Ma Xiaoxu and Yang Li lead the attack.
Spain v. South Africa
Time: Noon ET
Location: Le Havre
TV: Fox
What to know: After making its World Cup debut in 2015, Spain has become one of the game’s most exciting rising teams and is ranked 13th by FIFA. Barcelona’s Marta Torrejon is a leader on the backline and for an overall young group with just a single player over 30.
No. 49 South Africa is making its World Cup debut and will have an uphill battle in a tough group.
Norway v. Nigeria
Time: 3:oo p.m. ET
TV: Fox
What to know: Norway is expected to finish second to France in Group A and is ranked 12th in the world. The country hasn’t made it to a World Cup final since it was runner-up to the U.S. in 1991.
Nigeria, ranked 38th, will try to get past the group stage for the first time since 1999.
What happened yesterday?
Eugenie Le Sommer scored in the 8th minute to give France a 1-0 lead very early on. Wendie Renard recorded a brace with goals late in the first half for France. Amandine Henry finished off the scoring in the 84th minute for the final 4-0 scoreline.
Video review, making its Women’s World Cup debut, also played a role in Matchday 1, used to negate a potential French goal by confirming Griedge Mbock Bathy was offside by a toe.
VAR drama 😬
Griedge Mbock Bathy's toenails must've been offside for this one!
43' France 2 – 0 Korea Republic. #OptusSport #FRAKOR #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/fuQSVfw51d
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 7, 2019
Looking ahead
Three games will be played Sunday.
Group C — Australia v. Italy (7 a.m., Valenciennes, Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports G0)
Group C — Brazil v. Jamaica (9:30 a.m., Grenoble, Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports Go)
Group D — England v. Scotland (noon, Nice, Fox)
The United States trained for the first time Saturday in Reims and will open the tournament Tuesday at Stade Auguste-Delaune against Thailand (3 p.m. ET, Fox).