Nadeshiko Japan launched the defense of its Women's World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Switzerland in Group C in Vancouver on Monday.
Captain Aya Miyama marked her 150th appearance for the national team with what turned out to be the winning goal, stroking home from the penalty spot in the 29th minute at BC Place Stadium.
"We were playing against really good opponents and our main objective was to get three points and hopefully we can build on this in our next game (against Cameroon on Friday)," said Japan coach Norio Sasaki after the victory.