The opening fixture at the FIFA Women's World Cup has never produced a draw, nor a goal for the losing side, according to FIFA's statistics.
Opener: Germany v Argentina (Monday)
If both Germany and Argentina find the net in the opening match, it will be a first for the FIFA Women's World Cup. In the tournament openers of previous editions the winning team - there has not been a draw - have always kept a clean sheet. Those winners were China (1991), Germany (1995), USA (1999) and Norway (2003).
Germany will be seeking to add to their run of six successive wins (all in 2003) and match their record in 1991 and 2003 of a 100 per cent record in the group stage.
A win or draw would give Argentina their first points in the competition. They lost all three games in their only previous appearance (2003), conceding at least three goals each time. Of the 15 goals conceded, six came in the last 15 minutes.
If the title-holders score it will extend their run of consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup matches in which they have scored to 11. The record is held by Norway with 15 between 1991 and 1999.
Japan v England (Tuesday)
The other opening Group A fixture features two teams who have never previously met in women's football. Japan have lost all six previous FIFA Women's World Cup matches against European sides without scoring. In fact, of all the ever-presents in China 2007, Japan have scored the lowest number of goals (ten).
Source: Xinhua
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