As well as taking gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Germany triumphed at the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Their previous success and world number two ranking means they are considered one of the tournament favourites, but their performance at Roazhon Park did not reflect this. 

Yang Li had hit the post and squandered another good chance for China before 19-year old Giulia Gwinn scored the winner for Germany in the 66th minute.

It was Gwinn's first competitive appearance for her country.

"It's special to start the World Cup by scoring a goal like that," she told BBC Sport.

"It will give me a lot of confidence, but the most important thing is to have got the three points."

In the remaining Group B match, Spain relied on two penalties to get past South Africa, winning 3-1.

Thembi Kgatlana scored first for South Africa with an impressive individual goal, with the side going into halftime ahead.

It unravelled for them in the second half, however, with Jennifer Hermoso converting two spot-kicks, awarded for a handball and a foul by Nothando Vilakazi.

Lucia Garcia then grabbed Spain's third goal in the dying minutes. 

The last match of the day saw Norway comfortably beat Nigeria 3-0 in Group A at Parc des Princes.

Norway had the clash wrapped up in the first half through Guro Reiten and Lisa-Marie Utland, with an own goal by Osinachi Ohale compounding Nigeria's misery.

The competition continues tomorrow in Group C.

Australia meet Italy at Stade du Hainaut, with Brazil facing Jamaica.

England also kick-off Group D with a much-anticipated tie against rivals Scotland at Allianz Riviera.