USA have got their World Cup campaign off to an impressive start thanks to a 3-1 win over Australia.

Australia started the match quickly, with three chances inside the opening six minutes, but USA goalkeeper Hope Solo kept the scores level.

It was USA who opened the scoring, when a long ball was played into the area and Megan Rapinoe struck the ball into the net.

Australia were dominant in the first half, and were denied yet again by Solo in the 14th minute. This time, she kept out Samantha Kerr's low volley.

The Matildas did get the equaliser in the 26th minute when Lisa De Vanna directed her shot low into the net after the USA defence failed to clear a free kick.

Abby Wambach had a chance to regain the lead for the States but her header was saved by Melissa Barbieri.

USA improved dramatically in the second half, and scored their second on the hour mark. Christen Press volleyed into the net after Sydney Leroux's shot.

Australia struggled to create much after that and succumbed to defeat 18 minutes later when Rapinoe darted from her own half into the penalty box and fired a crisp, low shot across the keeper and into the corner.