The Canadian Women's Football team began its Group E Olympic campaign with a 2-1 victory over Argentina at the Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals in each half, one from defender Candace Chapman and one from striker Kara Lang, were enough for Canada to beat a tired-looking Argentine side. Ludmilla Manicler's late goal was little more than a consolation goal.
On a hot and humid afternoon, the game started slowly but was brightened by a clever turn and shot on the edge of the penalty area from Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, which was finger-tipped around the left-hand post by Argentina's goalkeeper Vanine Correa.
From the resulting corner, Canada took the lead in the 27th minute when a weakly headed clearance rolled into Chapman's path. Her powerful, low shot sliced through a crowded area into the bottom right corner of Correa's goal.
The goal weakened Argentine spirits and Canada began to dominate. A close-range shot by Sinclair was saved and forward Lang had the ball in the net, only to find the offside flag raised.
Canada continued to dominate in the second half and added a second goal in the 72nd minute when Lang headed in a free kick.
Against the run of play, Argentina pulled a goal back in the 85th minute when Mariela Coronel was able to pull the ball back from near the goal line for Manicler to smash home a goal.
The late goal made no difference and Canada's Martina Franko even missed a golden chance to make it 3-1 when she hit the crossbar from close range.
The Canadians will be satisfied with the game and look forward to their next match against China in Tianjin on August 9.
Argentina must regroup in preparation for its battle against Sweden, also on Saturday at the same venue.
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