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.

Amber Hearn (R) of New Zealand heads with a jump during the match against Japan in Qinhuangdao, Olympic co-host city in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 6, 2008. Japan played New Zealand at the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group G match on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Gong Zhihong)

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.

Simone Laudehr (14#) of Germany vies with Rosana of Brazil during the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group F match in Shenyang Olympic Stadium in Shenyang, Olympic co-host city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Brazilain women's Olympic football team pose for photos before the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group F match against Germany in Shenyang Olympic Stadium in Shenyang, Olympic co-host city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Ren Yong)

German women's Olympic football team pose for photos before the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group F match against Brazil in Shenyang Olympic Stadium in Shenyang, Olympic co-host city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

New Zealand women's football players pose for photos before the match against Japan in Qinhuangdao, an Olympic co-host city in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 6, 2008. Japan played New Zealand at the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group G match on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Gong Zhihong)

Japanese women's football players pose for photos before the match against New Zealand in Qinhuangdao, an Olympic co-host city in north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 6, 2008. Japan played New Zealand at the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group G match on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Gong Zhihong)

Argentina women's football players pose for photos before the match against Japan in Tianjin, Olympic co-host city in north China, Aug. 6, 2008. Canada played Argentina at the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group E match on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)

Canadian women's football players pose for photos before the match against Argentina in Tianjin, Olympic co-host city in north China, Aug. 6, 2008. Canada played Argentina at the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group E match on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)