The United States, managed by former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, started their women’s Olympic football campaign with a decisive 3-0 win over Zambia in Nice.
Trinity Rodman hit the crossbar early on before giving Hayes’ side the lead after 17 minutes.
Mallory Swanson scored twice within a minute to put the United States 3-0 ahead by the 25th minute, with Zambia then reduced to 10 players following Pauline Zulu’s red card.
Despite having a player advantage throughout the second half, the United States could not extend their lead further.
This was Hayes’ first competitive match in charge of the United States after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season following 12 years at the helm.
During her tenure at Stamford Bridge, Hayes guided the Blues to seven Women’s Super League titles, including each of the past five campaigns.
Earlier on Thursday, Germany defeated Australia 3-0 in the other Group B game, with goals from Marina Hegering, Lea Schuller, and Jule Brand.
The United States will face Germany on Sunday in Marseille, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
Hosts France also made a winning start, holding off a Colombia comeback to secure a 3-2 victory.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored twice, and Kenza Dali added another to put France 3-0 ahead. Although Catalina Usme converted a penalty and Manuela Pavi Sepulveda scored for Colombia, they could not find an equalizer. Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez was sent off late in the match.
World Cup winners Spain came from behind to beat Japan 2-1, with goals from Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey after Aoba Fujino had scored the opener.
Brazil defeated Nigeria 1-0 thanks to Gabi Nunes’ goal, while Canada fought back to beat New Zealand 2-1 despite conceding the first goal.