WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Megan Rapinoe scored twice and the United States overcame early defensive shakiness to beat Australia 3-1 Monday night in the Americans’ opener at the Women’s World Cup.
Lisa De Vanna had tied the score midway through the first half for Australia, beating controversial American goalkeeper Hope Solo.
“Obviously, we were a bit nervous,” Rapinoe said. “Couldn’t play a lot worse at times.”
U.S. star forward Alex Morgan, sidelined by a bone bruise in her left knee, entered in the 79th minute in her first game action with April 11 with her Portland club.
The U.S., which won the title in 1991 and ’99, improved to 5-0-2 in World Cup openers and 23-0-2 in all matches against Australia.
“Couldn’t be prouder to have the women of Team #USA representing us in stars, stripes, and shin guards. Good luck,” Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted.
In the absence of the 25-year-old Morgan, 35-year-old Abby Wambach and Canada-born Sydney Leroux started up top against the No. 10 Matildas, whose best World Cup finish was sixth in 2007
While the American women have won three straight Olympic gold medals, the third World Cup title has eluded them. They lost the 2011 final to Japan on penalty kicks.
Solo was tested in the fifth minute, when she tipped Emily Van Egmond’s shot off the crossbar and over. She made another save on Michelle Heyman in the 13th.
Nigeria 3, Sweden 3: In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Francisca Ordega’s 87th-minute goal pulled Nigeria into a 3-3 tie with Sweden in a Group D match.
Linda Sembrant came off the bench to put Sweden ahead 3-2 before Ordega’s drive sailed between goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl’s legs.
Cameroon 6, Ecuador 0: In Vancouver, British Columbia, Cameroon scored three goals in a nine-minute stretch late in the first half.