LIBERIA, Costa Rica –Germany rallied from two goals down to tie Canada 2-2 on Saturday in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener for each at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceño.
Ghana posted a 2-0 win over Korea DPR earlier in the day to seize the initial Group B lead.
After Sarah Stratigakis was fouled just before the arc at the top of the German penalty area, the Canadians went ahead through team captain Jessie Fleming in the third minute. The 2013 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship’s Golden Ball winner expertly dipped the subsequent free kick over the wall and inside the left post.
In the 44th minute, Marie Levasseur doubled Canada’s advantage. Another Fleming free kick -- taken from the right side -- was mishandled by goalkeeper Vivian Brandt. The Germans couldn’t clear the ball and Levasseur eventually jabbed home from seven-yards out.
Germany emerged from the break in a determined mood and equalized with two goals during a flurry of activity midway through the second half.
Nina Ehegoetz halved the deficit in the 65th minute, depositing a splendid chip by Saskia Meier over the Canadian defense into the back of the net from seven-yards out.
The European champion leveled three minutes later as Kim Fellhauer headed in at the near post off a corner.
Canada returns to action on Tuesday against Korea DPR, also in Liberia.
