One day before FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opens, Germany team coach Silvia Neid said they are looking forward to their first battle with Argentina during the opening ceremony.

"We are well prepared, with an 8-week training before coming to Shanghai," Neid said despite of the whether and other conditions here, they are still confident. "We are now getting used to playing with little rain now."

As for the opponent, Neid said the Argentina team 2007 is not the 2003 team. "We have watched their records, researching how to defense and break through. After facing different opponents, it does progress a lot technically!"

Neid and her players think it's their honor to have the first kick at the opening ceremony.

They told the press that the Women's World Cup this year is of higher level than ever before. "All the teams are progressing; we are facing strong rivals, and organization is pretty good," said Sandra Minnert.

"In World Cups, it is a long way to become world champion. We should make it step by step. My hope is we can first get a chance to join in the Olympic Games 2008, and then win the final," Neid said.

Source: Xinhua