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Walti and Maritz win opening World Cup clash

Lia Walti celebrates Seraina Piubel's goal for Switzerland against the Philippines

Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz kicked off their World Cup campaign with a win as Switzerland cruised to a 2-0 victory over the Philippines.

After recovering from an injury that ended her Women's Super League season prematurely, Walti captained her country to victory, with Maritz featuring for the full 90 minutes. 

Switzerland were not the first to strike, however, as the Philippines' Katrina Guillou beat the keeper in the 16th minute only for her goal to be eventually ruled offside.

In the dying minutes of the first half, a dominant Switzerland found their breakthrough with a spot kick from Paris Saint-Germain's Ramona Bachmann and FC Zurich's Seraina Piubel then doubled their advantage around the hour mark. 

Walti and Maritz will now face Frida Maanum and Norway who were previously stung by a surprising loss to co-hosts New Zealand on Thursday. 

Canada held to draw against Nigeria

Cloe Lacasse dribbles with the ball during Canada's game with Nigeria

Over in Group B, the reigning Olympic champions Canada couldn't overcome a stalwart Nigerian side as their opening game finished goalless. 

Canadian legend Christine Sinclair missed the game's best chance from the penalty spot in the second half. A goal would have made Sinclair the first-ever player to score at six World Cups. 

Our own Cloe Lacasse came off the bench at half-time and looked bright down the right wing as the Canadians went in search of a goal. Lacasse did exceptionally well to wriggle free from a defender on the byline and then cut the ball back to Sinclair in the area, and this move led to the penalty decision. 

A red card to Nigeria's Deborah Abiodun following a high tackle on Ashley Lawrence came too late to alter the game. Next up for Canada is the Republic of Ireland who fell to a narrow loss against hosts Australia in their opening game.