The most lopsided result on the opening day of women’s soccer at the Olympics was to be expected. Germany handily defeated Zimbabwe, 6-1 on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium to open up each team’s campaign.
For a moment, there was some doubt as to how one-sided the match would be. Zimbabwe’s lone goal in the 50th minute, scored by Kudakwashe Basopo, at the time cut Germany’s lead to 2-1. But Melanie Behringer scored the first of her two goals three minutes later, and a Eunice Chibanda own goal for Zimbabwe in the 90th minute made the score that much harsher.
Melanie Leupolz, Alexandra Popp and Sarah Daebritz also scored a goal each for Germany, which leads Group F on goal difference.
Germany will next face Australia on Saturday. Earlier Friday, Australia lost 2-0 to Canada despite playing with a player advantage for 71 minutes.
