The 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicked off early this morning in Canada with North Korea edging Finland in the opening match while host nation Canada lost to Ghana and Germany beat the United States in some of the other matches.

Sherifatu Sumaila scored the winning goal midway through the first half at Toronto’s National Soccer Stadium to give Ghana a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada in a Group A encounter.

Sumaila worked her way towards the Canada area and released Edem Atovor, whose cross in moments later was steered in by Sumaila after poor defending by the Canadians.

Canada’s Emma Fletcher saw an effort come off the woodwork just before half-time and despite a late siege on their goal, Ghana held on for a crucial win.

The Black Princesses are second after the opening round of matches, behind North Korea that opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Finland earlier in Toronto.

The 2006 champions opened a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes through goals from So Hyang Kim and Yun-Gyong Choe while Sini Laaksonen scored what proved to be Finland’s consolation goal in the 29th minute of a frenetic first half.

In Edmonton, goals from Lena Petermann just after the hour mark and Theresa Panfil in stoppage time ensured Germany defeated the United States 2-0 to take early control of Group B.

Following a goalless first half in Toronto, Lina Magull came close to giving Germany the lead against USA but the Germany captain could only send her effort against the post with the goal at her mercy.

Petermann and Panfil however sealed the result for Germany to avenge the 1-0 loss to USA in the final of the 2012 edition of the competition held in Japan.

China and Brazil played out a 1-1 draw in the other Group B match played with Zhang Zhu’s goal a minute from time earning China a point from the encounter after Byanca Brasil had put the South Americans ahead midway through the second half.

The competition continues later tonight with Nigeria’s Super Falconets, semi-finalists in the last two editions, taking on Mexico in a Group C encounter in Moncton.

Nigeria captain Patience Okaeme stated ahead of the match that ”… we made the last four two years back. This time we want to go further. We want to win the trophy.”

Before then England would face South Korea in the opening Group C match, while France will open Group D with a match against Costa Rica in Montreal followed by a clash between New Zealand and Paraguay.