Three-time winners Germany began this year's FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria in Group D in France ©Getty Images

Three-time winners Germany began this year's FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria in Group D in France.

Stefanie Sanders scored the only goal of the game after 69 minutes at the Stade Marville in Saint-Malo.

It means Germany have made an ideal start as they seek to add to their 2004, 2010 and 2014 titles.

In the other match in the group, also in Saint-Malo, China beat Haiti 2-1.

Yujie Zhao gave the Chinese the lead with 13 minutes played and with 46 gone Mengyu Shen doubled the advantage.

Haiti pulled one back after 79 minutes through Nérilia Mondésir's penalty but it did not prove enough.

Patricia Guijarro bagged a hat-trick for Spain ©Getty Images
Patricia Guijarro bagged a hat-trick for Spain ©Getty Images

In Group C the United States, who like Germany are three-time winners, opened against Japan at the Stade Guy Piriou in Concarneau.

The Americans were to fall to defeat, however, as Honoka Hayashi scored after 76 minutes in a 1-0 win.

The other match in Group C in Concarneau saw Spain thrash Paraguay 4-1.

Barcelona forward Patricia Guijarro bagged a hat-trick in the rout with Claudia Pina also registering.

Jessica Martinez netted for Paraguay.

Tomorrow is a rest day before Groups A and B resume on Wednesday (August 8).