Japan off to winning start as Aya Miyama penalty sinks Switzerland
Tuesday 9 June 2015 07:15, UK
Captain Aya Miyama converted a first-half penalty to get defending champions Japan's Women's World Cup campaign off to a winning start against Switzerland.
The 29th-minute penalty, awarded after Frankfurt midfielder Kozue Ando was fouled inside the box by Swiss keeper Gaelle Thalmann, was the only goal of the night in the Group C clash at Vancouver's BC Stadium on Monday.
It was enough to seal all three points for the 'Nadeshiko' - Japan's nickname and a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty.
The tie marked the 200th cap for veteran Homare Sawa and the 150th for Miyama, whose goal was her 37th in international football.
A double from midfielder Megan Rapinoe helped the United States to come from behind and win a tough Group D test against Australia in Winnipeg.
Favourites for a third title along with fellow two-time winners Germany, the Americans were indebted to Rapinoe's double on 12 and 78 minutes and a Christen Press goal on 61 for a 3-1 win.
Co-captain Lisa de Vanna marked her 100th cap for the Matildas by scoring her 36th goal after 27 minutes as the Australians dominated the first half and only some solid goalkeeping by Hope Solo in the US goal kept the score down.
Solo was tested early by Emily van Egmond, but the American goalkeeper tipped the ball over the crossbar and Australia went close again when Solo blocked Samantha Kerr's well-hit volley.
But the Americans got their equaliser after a good spell of possession, Michelle Heyman passed to De Vanna, who made no mistake, firing into the side netting.
Press got the Americans back in the groove when she finished off a Sydney Leroux cross and 15 minutes later, Rapinoe sealed the game with an impressive solo run down the field to fire past a helpless Melissa Barbieri in goal.
Striker Gaelle Enganamouit netted a hat-trick as Cameroon thrashed Ecuador 6-0 in the battle between the Women’s World Cup newcomers in Group C.
The Swedish-based player was pivotal for the west Africans, who play title-holders Japan next.
Enganamouit, who turns 24 years on Tuesday, had a role in all her side's goals in Vancouver, setting up Madeleine Ngono Mani to open the floodgates on 34 minutes and two minutes later scored herself.
The South Americans had a chance off an Ambar Torres free-kick, but it was the Africans who extended their lead before the break as captain Christine Manie slotted home a penalty following a Kerly Real foul in the box.
Enganamouit converted a cross from Gabrielle Onguene on 73 minutes, then Onguene added a penalty of her own and Enganamouit did likewise from 12 yards in injury time.
