Women kick off Olympic football

Action from Australia v Germany

Australia 0-3 Germany
Brazil 2-0 Sweden

The Olympic Womens football action got underway on Wednesday as hosts Australia were beaten 3-0 by Germany in Canberra.

European champions Germany eased to victory with goals from Inka Grings after 35th minutes, a Bettina Wiegmann header in the 70th minute and a third goal right at the death from Renate Lingor.

Brazil's women footballers also got off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-0 victory against Sweden before a large crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The South Americans took the lead on 21 minutes with Pretinha claiming the goal, although Swedish defender Sara Larsson appeared to get the decisive touch.

Brazil doubled their lead in the second half after Katia rifled in a firm shot to make it 2-0.

The women's games were followed by opening ceremonies and four men's matches were taking place later in the evening, in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide, with Australia against Italy the pick of the matches.

Officials said both Canberra's Bruce Stadium, with a 24,000 capacity, and Melbourne's MCG, which can hold about 95,000, were sold out.