LIBERIA, Costa Rica – Canada looked to have everything under control at halftime Saturday against the European champions from Germany.

After giving up two goals in three minutes in the second half, however, Canada had to settle for a 2-2 draw in their opening match of the Women’s Under-17 World Cup.

“We had the 2-0 lead and we gave that up, but Germany are the European Champions for a reason,” said head coach Bev Priestman. “I think playing this level of opposition for all three games, I think we really need to stay focused and do the things that we do well and trust our strategy.”

Canada frustrated the Germans over the opening 45 minutes and went into the break up 2-0 from goals by Jessie Fleming and Marie Levasseur.

Fleming gave Canada the lead three minutes into the contest and Levasseur added another in the 44th.

Germany roared to life with goals in the 65th and 68th minutes by Nina Ehegoetz and Kim Fellhauer.

“At times in the game Germany came back and they had us on the ropes,” said Priestman. “Performance-wise, I’m very proud of the girls but I’m disappointed with the end result.”

Canada takes on South Korea on Tuesday before wrapping up the group stage against Ghana on March 22.

Ghana beat Korea 2-0 to open Group B action on Saturday.