North Korea and Colombia undone by second-half goals.

There were no upsets on the first day in Group C as the two most established sides recorded victories – although they both needed second-half goals to do so.

Two-time Women’s World Cup winners USA registered a 2-0 victory over Korea DPR while Sweden secured a narrow 1-0 win despite dominating Colombia from start to finish in Leverkusen.

The Scandinavians, who are among the early favourites for the title, produced a solid opening performance against tournament first-timers Colombia, but had to wait until the 57th minute to score what proved to be the winning goal.

After being guilty of missing a handful of gilt-edged chances, Jessica Landstrom finally made Sweden’s pressure pay by prodding home Lotta Schelin’s low cross to wrap up all three points.

In Group C’s other clash, USA had to wait until the 54th minute for Lauren Cheney to open the scoring with a well-placed header.

But they were almost pegged back moments later when Ri Ye Gong let fly from long range, beat Hope Solo in the USA goal, but failed to beat the crossbar.

And the Americans ensured they started their 2011 campaign with a victory when Rachel Buehler doubled her side’s advantage 14 minutes from time when her low effort crept inside the post.

But unlike Sweden’s earlier victory, this was by no means a one-sided clash with Korea showing they will pose a threat in their remaining two Group C fixtures.