Late strike earns Canada opening-day win

Hosts Canada left it late to secure a 1-0 win over China as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off in Vancouver.

Captain Christine Sinclair scored an injury-time penalty to lift the host to a tense win in front of a record crowd.

Canada cast aside any early nerves, coming close just three minutes into the game with central defender Kadeisha Buchanan firing two shots at the back post.

Yasha Gu almost put China ahead with a sniff of a chance, but goalkeeper Erin McLeod left her post to block the move.

China pressed on for the opener, with Lisi Wang’s free-kick hitting McLeod’s near post and far post simultaneously.

Canada fullback Josee Belanger saw her effort hit the crossbar after collecting a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area.

With the game looking to end in a draw, Rong Zhao brought down substitute Adriana Leon in the box and Sinclair coolly converted from the spot to the delight of the 53,058 fans.

In the day’s other game, Netherlands enjoyed a perfect debut with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Edmonton.

A stunning first-half strike from Lieke Martens gave the Dutch a deserved win to brighten their chances of making the last 16.