'There will be upsets' – Germany coach cautious on Women's World Cup

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Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg warned that there will be some group stage upsets at the Women's World Cup after her side eased to a 2-0 win over Chile in their final warm-up game on Thursday.

"Aside from USA, France and the Netherlands, teams like Australia, Canada, Sweden and Norway are also playing very well," Voss-Tecklenburg told German broadcaster ARD.

"It will be a very tight tournament, and I think there will be some upsets in the group stage."

Germany cruised to victory in front of a large crowd in Regensburg on Thursday, just days before they set off for France in search of a third World Cup title.

Voss-Tecklenburg had promised attacking football, and Germany delivered just that in the first half.

Coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg of Germany admits it will be tough in the upcoming Women's World Cup. /VCG Photo

The reigning Olympic champions overran the Chileans and took the lead through captain Alexandra Popp on 29 minutes.

Full-back Carolin Simon doubled the lead with a peculiar goal on the stroke of half-time, her looping cross dropping in off the post at the far corner.

There was also good news for Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult, who made the starting eleven despite struggling with a shoulder injury in recent weeks.

"I felt good today, and I am happy that I could play 90 minutes," said Schult, whose World Cup place had been in some doubt amid the concerns over her fitness.

Germany heads to France for the World Cup on Monday and plays their opening game against China in Rennes on June 8.

Wang Shuang leads 23-player China Women's World Cup squad

Source(s): AFP