Equatorial Guinea falls 1-0 in World Cup debut

AUGSBURG, Germany - Emilie Haavi finally broke down the Equatorial Guinea defense in the 84th minute to give Norway a narrow 1-0 win in its Women's World Cup opener on Wednesday.

Norway hit the post three times and looked like having to settle for 0-0 against the tournament newcomers playing their first official match outside of Africa. Then substitute Leni Larsen Kaurin broke free on the right, and passed low into the box where an unmarked Haavi slotted home.

Despite the loss, the west Africans from a nation of 670,000 citizens played with skill and willpower by far belying their FIFA ranking of 61, and captain Anonman had several clear chances.

Brazil met Australia in Moenchengladbach in the other Group D game late Wednesday.

The game could have turned as early as the second minute but the first smooth Norway attack ended when a diagonal shot from Haavi struck the inside of the post and refused to go in. Lene Mykjaland also hit the post in the 55th, as did Isabell Herlovsen two minutes later.

The African side appeared to having a charmed afternoon, but it took missed good chances.

Equatorial Guinea could have taken the lead in the 53rd when its standout player, the green-braided Anonman, forced a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth but put the ball inexplicably wide. She did likewise in the 72nd of an exciting match before 12,928 fans in a half-empty Augsburg Arena.

Norway increasingly piled on more pressure in the second half, and Haavi's goal was deserved reward.

Even though it was the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, Equatorial Guinea has been rising fast in the FIFA standings and its play proved why.

Anchored by goalie Miriam and central defender Carolina, Equatorial Guinea showed off fine positioning and close skills. Up front, Anonman added power and speed.

Equatorial Guinea was hurt right before the start of the championship when striker Jade Boho was suspended over Spanish citizenship issues.

Brazil beats Australia 1-0

A second-half strike by Rosana earned Brazil a 1-0 victory over Australia in its opening match at the women's World Cup on Wednesday.

The breakthrough in a hard-fought Group D match came in the 54th minute, when Cristiane capitalized on some scrappy Australian defending to head the ball to the 28-year-old Rosana, who took one touch past a defender before unleashing her shot past the helpless Melissa Barbieri.

Lisa De Vanna might have scored an equalizer but fired over in the 87th minute with only the goalkeeper to beat, and Australia also went close from a corner at the very end.