With a long boot through traffic 27 minutes into Canada's first women's preliminary game, Candace Chapman became the first goal scorer of the Olympic football tournament. The first athlete to register any type of point, for that matter. Her opening salvo helped the Canadians beat Argentina 2-1 in Group E. In the other Group E match, China beat Sweden 2-1.

But the biggest news from the first day occurred in Group G at Qinhuangdao, where Norway scored two quick goals to sap the swagger of the defending Olympic champion United States team. The U.S. is playing without star forward Abby Wambach, but it was early defensive lapses that led to a 2-0 loss. It was the first time the Norway side has ever beaten the Americans at the Games.

Japan and New Zealand, Group G partners of Norway and the U.S., played to a 2-2 draw. In Group F, Germany and tournament favorites Brazil battled to a scoreless tie, and North Korea beat Nigeria 1-0.

(Above: Natasha Kai (USA) (6) and Marit Fiane Christiensen (NOR) (12) challenge for a header. Photo © Icon SMI)