Gilles' set-piece goal gives Canada a rare win over Germany at Arnold Clark Cup

NORWICH, United Kingdom — Defender Vanessa Gilles' early goal lifted Canada to a rare win over Germany on Sunday, a 1-0 decision that moved the Olympic champions atop the standings at the four-team Arnold Clark Cup.

The third-ranked Germans (0-1-1) had plenty of the ball but lacked clinical finishing in a scrappy game on a damp blustery evening at Carrow Road. Gilles, however, was on the mark and Canada (1-0-1) absorbed some late pressure — including a string of corners — to hang on for the win.

Sixth-ranked Canada went ahead in the seventh minute when Gilles, a force in the air, headed home Janine Beckie's corner to open her international account. The Canadian centre back soared above Klara Buehl before beating goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger with her downward header.

Both teams benefited from some non-calls, with Germany unsuccessfully appealing for two penalties.

It was only Canada's second win in 17 meetings (2-15-0) with Germany.

The lone previous victory was a 2-0 decision in group play at the 2016 Rio Olympics on the strength of two goals by Melissa Tancredi. Germany avenged that loss a week later with a 2-1 semifinal victory before defeating Sweden 2-1 to win gold. The Canadians claimed bronze after dispatching host Brazil 2-1.

Earlier, No. 8 England (0-0-2) and No. 9 Spain (0-0-2) played to a scoreless draw in the opener of Sunday's doubleheader.

The Canadian women face Spain on Wednesday at Wolverhampton's Molineux Stadium.

Canada and Germany both needed to rally to earn 1-1 ties in their opening games Thursday.

Canada drew with England on the strength of Beckie's highlight-reel strike in the 55th minute while Germany needed an 87th-minute goal by Lea Schueller to pull even with Spain. Both games were at the