Sweden, USA open campaigns in style

Sweden and the USA have drawn first blood in Group C at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with wins over Colombia and North Korea respectively.

Sweden scored a 1-0 win over Colombia in Leverkusen, with the only goal of the game coming 12 minutes after the break.

Midfielder Jessica Landstrom was the one to score it, with the FFC Frankfurt star finding herself on the end of a cross from Lotta Schelin to fire the Swedes ahead.

The USA, meanwhile, moved to the top of the group with a 2-0 win over North Korea in Dresden.

Boston Breakers striker Lauren Cheney put the USA ahead nine minutes after half-time, and when defender Rachel Buehler scored on 76 minutes, the result was beyond doubt.

The USA will next take on Colombia in Sinsheim on Saturday, with North Korea doing battle with Sweden in Augsburg the same day.