The association football tournament at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has finally kicked off after a major delay because of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Netherlands women began their campaign with a stunning 10-3 win over Zambia.
Elsewhere, Australia picked up a 2-1 win over rivals New Zealand and Japan were held to a 1-1 draw against Canada.
Sweden managed to pick up a comfortable 3-0 win over the United States, and Brazil dominated China 5-0.
Great Britain wrapped up day one of women’s football in the Olympics with a 2-0 win over Chile.
The shock of the day came when two goals from Stina Blackstenius helped Sweden pull off a shock result against the reigning World champions, the United States, on the first day of group play in women’s soccer at the Tokyo Olympics.
The defeat against Sweden ended the incredible 44 games unbeaten streak for the Americans.
Despite the heroics from the United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Sweden managed to breach the American defence thrice. The score-line could have easily been embarrassing for the US.
The reigning world champions will be bitterly disappointed with the result, and they will be desperate to bounce back strongly in their next game.
Tokyo Olympics Football Results: Day 1
Netherlands 10-3 Zambia
Vivianne Miedema (4 goals), Lieke Martens (2 goals), Shanice van de Sanden, Jill Roord, Lineth Beerensteyn and Victoria Pelova scored for Netherlands. Barbra Banda score hat-trick for Zambia.
Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Tameka Yallop and Sam Kerr provided Australia 2-0 lead by 33rd minute. Gabi Rennie reduced the margin at dying moment of the game.
Japan 1-1 Canada
Christine Sinclair provided Canada lead at 6th minute. Mana Iwabuchi levelled the score at 84th minute.
Sweden 3-0 United States
Stina Blackstenius scored a double for Sweden. Lina Hurtig also find herself on scoresheet.
Brazil 5-0 China
Marta (two goals), Debinha, Andressa Alves (penalty) and Andressa Alves scored for Brazil.
Great Britain 2-0 Chile
Ellen White scored for England at 18th and 73rd minute of the match.