Women's World Cup: Hosts Canada see off China in opening victory

Christine Sinclair converted a stoppage-time penalty to ensure hosts Canada opened the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory in Edmonton.

The 31-year-old coolly slotted home the winner but the penalty was controversial, after a seemingly innocuous challenge from Zhao Rong was deemed to have fouled Adriana Leon inside the box.

Some 53,000 Canadian fans were sent into pandemonium in the stands at the Commonwealth Stadium, with their nation only once having seen it through the group stages in the history of the competition.

The Olympic bronze medallists had been desperate for all three points after a frustrating game in which they had 14 attempts on goal to China’s five – one of which hit both posts in the first half.

But striker Sinclair, who began to see more chances come her way late in the game including a first-time shot off a pass from Sophie Schmidt, used all her experience to see Canada prepare for their second game against New Zealand, who lost 1-0 to Netherlands, full of confidence.

"Only one woman in the world could step up like that in the 90th minute and write that script," said Canada coach John Herdman.

"I'm glad we could sneak a win. We have the three points and are on the road."

It was a moment of brilliance from Lieke Martens that gave Netherlands' their first ever Women's World Cup goal – striking from distance on 33 minutes.

Martens, who plays club football in Sweden, scored the 21st goal of her international career to give her side the impetus and they controlled the game well until full-time.

New Zealand's Ria Percival fired a free-kick that looked destined for the net in the second half, but it was flicked away by Loes Geurts in the Netherlands goal.

New Zealand have now lost all ten of their games in their three World Cup tournaments.