Women's football powers gain Olympic opening victories

Title favourites at Rio Olympics in women's football the United States, Brazil, France and Sweden all won their first games here, with home superstar Marta making her impact with a dazzling show against China.

The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup winners US started their gold medal defence with a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Belo Horizonte as Carli Lloyd's header broke the deadlock in the first minute and Alex Morgan increased their advantage just after the break on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Marta's two fatal pass help the host defeat China 3-0 in the Olympic stadium here. The five-time FIFA women's world player of the year destroyed Chinese defence.

Defender Monica opened the scoring in the first half before Andressa Alves finished off a fine move, with Cristiane extending her record as leading goal-scorer in the women's Olympic football tournament with her 13th goal across four competitions.

Two-time world champions Germany began their fight for the first Olympic gold medal with an easy 6-1 win over Zimbabwe. Although the African team has almost been out of the tournament, Kudakwashe Basopo brought the first goal to the rookies.

One of the best teams all over the world, Sweden scored only once to win the rematch of 2012 Olympics first game. South Africa will face up China who still aimed to enter the last 8 by doing better in the second and third group games.

In the other two games played, Canada beat Australia 2-0, and France smashed Colombia 4-0.

The second round of the group stage will start on Saturday.

--IANS

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