The women's soccer tournament of the Beijing Olympics kicked off at 17:00 Beijing time on Wednesday.

It was the first Olympic event starting two days before the official opening of the 2008 Games.

Three matches began simultaneously at 17:00 but in different cities. 2007 World Cup champions Germany met then runners-up Brazil in Shenyang. Argentina faced Canada in Tianjin, and Japan took on New Zealand in Qinhuangdao.

A total of 12 teams attend the Olympic women's soccer tournament. They have been divided into three groups. The top two finishers of each group and the best two third finishers will advance to the quarterfinals.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)