Shanghai, China (My Sportsbook) - Germany opens defense of its World Cup title on Monday against an Argentina side that is making just its second appearance in the competition.

The team Germany brings to China for this year's competition is just as strong as the one that captured the crown in the United States in 2003. The Germans will once again be lead by top striker Birgit Prinz, who scored eight goals during the team's qualifying campaign.

Midfielder Renate Lingor and defender Kerstin Stegemann also bring a wealth of World Cup experience to the team in addition to their quality play.

Head coach Silvia Neid's side will also feature a number of players who are making their debut on such a large stage, including goalie Nadine Angerer, who is taking over for longtime starter Silke Rottenberg.

Defender Annike Krahn, striker Anja Mittag and midfielder Simone Laudehr are among the first-timers who should shine on a German side that is filled with strong players.

Germany is the favorite to advance from Group A, which also includes Japan and England.

Germany has every intention of returning to the World Cup final to defend its crown, but it must first take care of Argentina to get its title defense underway.

Argentina is a side that does not carry such lofty goals, but one that is looking for signs of improvement.

The South Americans were hammered in their first World Cup campaign in 2003, losing all three games by a combined 15-1 score.

This time around, manager Carlos Borrello is eager to see how far his team has come over the past four years, while attempting to possibly squeeze into the second spot in the group.

The team received a jolt of confidence from its performance in qualifying, which included a 7-0-1 record and its first ever win over rival Brazil.

That win already proved this is a team that is not here to just make up the numbers, but one that plans on competing.

Goalkeeper Romina Ferro, midfielder Marisa Perez and striker Mariela Coronel were members of that first World Cup team, and will bring that experience to a team that boasts newcomers Eva Gonzalez and Maria Potassa.

Argentina may be improved, but it is nowhere near the class of Germany, which should easily handle its South American opponents and begin a lengthy run toward another title.