Women’s World Cup: Netherlands defeats New Zealand; Sweden beats Chile

Jill Roord came off the bench and scored in stoppage time to give the Netherlands a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup group opener for both teams Tuesday.

The Netherlands, ranked No. 8 in the world, controlled possession throughout the game but couldn’t get by New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler until Roord’s breakthrough header.

The tough loss after a strong defensive effort means 19th-ranked New Zealand is still looking for its first-ever World Cup victory. Tom Sermanni, former coach of the Australia and U.S. national teams, was hired as coach of New Zealand last October in time for the Ferns to qualify for their fifth World Cup.

The Netherlands made its World Cup debut in 2015 and got through to the knockout stage but lost to eventual runner-up Japan. The team has raised it profile since, winning the 2017 Euros.

Sweden 2, Chile 0

Kosovare Asllani’s goal after a weather delay broke up a scoreless stalemate and Sweden went on to win its Women’s World Cup opener 2-0 on Tuesday and spoil Chile’s debut in the tournament.

Thunder prompted a delay in the match in the 72nd minute. It was resumed about 40 minutes later.

Asllani’s goal, Sweden’s 60th in World Cup play, came in the 83rd minute. Madelen Janogy came in off the bench and added a goal in stoppage time for the Swedes, who are ranked No. 9 in the world.

Chile, ranked No. 39 and the fifth South American team to play in a World Cup, was hurt in the 59th minute when Maria Urrutia was injured and had to be stretchered off. It was about the same time that heavy rains moved in at Roazhon Park.

The teams play in the same group with the defending champion United States and Thailand.

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