PARIS, June 10 -- Canada went off to a winning start by shutting out Cameroon 1-0 in Montpellier on Monday, while former winners Japan began their World Cup campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw with Argentina in Paris.
Unmarked Lyon defender Kadeisha Buchanan headed in Manchester City forward Janine Beckie's corner in the very last minute of regular time before the interval to make the breakthrough for Canada.
With the victory, the Reds, ranked fifth in the world, topped Group E standings for the moment with the other two teams, New Zealand and the Netherlands, kicking off against each others in Le Havre on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday evening, Japan began their quest to reach a third straight World Cup final against Argentina in Paris, which finished in a lackluster goalless draw.
The Asako Takakura's squad kept 61% of ball possession throughout the game but struggled to find a way past a disciplined Argentine centre-back pairing of Agustina Barroso and Aldana Cometti.
Their best chance came on 46 minutes when forward Kumi Yokoyama's long-range effort was blocked by the rivals' goalie Vanina Correa before Yuki Sugasawa blasted the rebound over the bar.
It gave Argentina, on the other hand, their first point after seven outings in the quadrennial women's grand event.
Japan, who lifted the World Cup trophy eight years ago after a final win over the United States, failed to defend the title in 2017.
In Group D, England are at top after beating Scotland 2-1 in Nice on Sunday.