Mixed fortunes for European challengers

Sweden found hosts and holders the United States too tough a challenge but Russia made a winning start as the first set of 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup fixtures was completed on Sunday.

Americans ahead
The runners-up in the 2001 UEFA Women's Championship, Sweden have been tipped as dark horses for the World Cup but were given the hardest possible Group A opener against the 1991 and 1999 champions in Washington DC. Sweden were 2-0 down after 36 minutes as Mia Hamm set up Kristine Lilly to open the scoring, before Cindy Parlow doubled the lead from Hamm's corner.

Comeback hopes ended
Inspired by Hanna Ljungberg, Sweden kept themselves in the game and 13 minutes into the second half the Umeå IK striker crossed for Victoria Svensson to pull one back. Sweden captain Malin Andersson curled a free-kick just over with 18 minutes left as her team pressed for an equaliser, but the US wrapped up the win six minutes later as Shannon Boxx headed in another Hamm corner.

'The world's best team'
After the game, Sweden coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors said: "Today, we met the world's best team. We did not play well in the first half." Sweden's next match is on Thursday against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, who were impressive in beating Nigeria 3-0 on Saturday.

Tight affair
Russia's bid to reach their second consecutive quarter-final is off to a good start after a dramatic 2-1 win against Group D rivals Australia in Los Angeles. The first half was a tight affair, but Australia scored first on 38 minutes when Danielle Small hit the post and Kelly Golebiowski was first to the rebound. Within seconds, though, Marina Saenko's cross was turned into her own net by luckless Australian defender Dianne Alagich to level for Russia.

Last-minute winner
The Europeans seemed to be on their was to victory when Natalia Barbachina was fouled in the area by Tai Karp but Elena Fomina hit the crossbar with the penalty. However, Formina made up for that in the final minute as she picked up the ball and her effort from 25 minutes was deflected in by Cheryl Salisbury.

'A bit nervous'
"We were a bit nervous at the beginning," said Russian coach Yuri Bystritsky. "But we finally got into our stride towards the end of the match. The three points now stands us in good stead for a place in the quarter-finals."

Chinese victory
Ominously for Russia, though, the 1999 runners-up China also made a winning start in Group D, as captain Sun Wen's 29th-minute goal beat Ghana 1-0. Russia play Ghana on Thursday while China meet Australia.

Brazil in form
In Group B, where Norway overcame France 2-0 on Saturday, Brazil gained a 3-0 win against the Korean Republic. Marta scored an early penalty and Katia added two in the second half for the Brazilians, Norway's next opponents on Wednesday. France play the Korean Republic on the same day, while in Group C Germany will be looking for a second win of the tournament as they face Japan and Canada take on Argentina.