(Photo by Matthew Lewis – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

World number 54 ranked South Africa has given third ranked Sweden a major scare at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Swedes have come from behind to win 2-1, with Amanda Ilestedt heading home the winner from a corner in the 90th minute in the opening Group G match in Wellington.

In a match played in wet conditions the African champions took the lead early in the second spell with Hildah Magaia on hand to prod the ball home after a mistake from the Swedish goalkeeper.

The Swedes upped the intensity and levelled the scores 25 minutes from full-time with Fridolina Rolfo credited with the final touch after the ball skewed off South African defender Bongeke Gamede.

Sweden are the first team to come from behind and win at the tournament.

Sweden 2 (Fridolina ROLFO 65’ Amanda ILESTEDT 90’)
South Africa 1 (Hildah MAGAIA 48’)

HT 0-0

The Netherlands have beaten Portugal 1-0 in their opening Group E match in Dunedin.

An early headed goal from Stefanie Van der Gragt proved the difference for the Dutch who largely dominated proceedings with the Portuguese unable to muster any shots at goal until the 83rd minute.

Van de Donk should have extended the lead in the 52nd minute but Portuguese keeper Pereira made a terrific save to deny her.

The Netherlands now travel to Wellington for a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final against the USA on Thursday while Portugal face Vietnam in Hamilton also on Thursday.

Netherlands 1 (Stefanie VAN DER GRAGT 13′)
Portugal 0

HT 1-0

France, one of the tournament favourites, struggled to find fluency and drive in their opening match of the tournament, drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in Sydney.

The number five ranked side in the world enjoyed the majority of possession but were unable to fashion consistent threats to Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer’s goal.

Kadidiatou Diani went closest at the death, when her glancing header clipped the crossbar and then post before being scrambled clear by the defence. Jamaica captain Khadija Shaw saw red late on for a second yellow and will miss her side’s second group game.

France: 0
Jamaica: 0

HT: 0-0