AUCKLAND/SYDNEY: Netherlands, European champions in 2017, launched their Women’s World Cup campaign in Dunedin with a 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Stefanie van der Gragt headed what proved the first-half winner from a corner by captain Sherida Spitse although it was only after a VAR revew that referee Kateryna Monzul awarded the goal.

Portugal were a disappointment. They had to wait until eight minutes from the final whistle before delivering a first shot on target when Telma Encarnacao shot straight at goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Netherlands thus took over second place in Group E, trailing champions United States on goal difference.

Sweden opened Group G with a 2-1 win over South Africa in Wellington. The 2022 African champions led through a 48th-minute goal from Hildah Magaia but it was cancelled out by a deflected Frida Rolfo effort before Ilestedt’s decisive header.

Sweden top Group G, with Argentina and Italy to meet on Monday.

However one of Europe’s other contenders, France, suffered the embarrassment of a goalless draw with Jamaica in Sydney in Group F.

The draw was acclaimed by Jamaica’s manager Lorne Donaldson hailed as “the number one result” in the country’s football history.

However captain Khadija Shaw will miss their next match, against Brazil, after being sent off in the closing stages.

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