Germany warns Falconets - Beat Venezuela 5-2 ahead of facing Nigeria

With a 5-2 thumping of Venezuela, Germany made a decisive start to their pursuit of a fourth FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title.

Before the half, five goals in quick succession to spark the game to life.

Cora Zicai performed admirably down the left, cutting the ball back from the byline before it dropped to Marie Steiner, who hammered it home.

Bender doubled the lead getting back up after being knocked down inside the box to send Tibayre Rodriguez the wrong way from the spot.

Floriangel Apostol's magnificent free shot struck goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk and bounced off the post, allowing Venezuela to pull one back.

Sophie Nachtigall's goal made it 3-1 thanks to a combination from Steiner and Zdebel to give Germany a commanding advantage at halftime.

Zicai scored Germany's fifth goal in the second half after a slick assist from Nachtigall.

The most talented player for Venezuela, Apostol, gave her side a late consolation to seal the result.

Zdebel, who only had one assist, edged Bender, who scored two goals, to win Player of the Match.

Falconets Head Coach Chris Danjuma already stated that his team are not focused on Germany but on getting it right against Korea Republic in their opener.

At the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, Germany had only lost two of their previous 20 group matches, sending a warning to their other group opponents.

On Wednesday, Germany will play the Falconets of Nigeria, while Venezuela will play Korea Republic.