LE HAVRE, France – Former Crimson Tide standout midfielder Merel Van Dongen (2012-14) and the Netherlands got off to winning start after scoring a late goal in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup opener against New Zealand 1-0 on Tuesday.

Van Dongen provided a valuable 22 minutes off the bench for the Netherlands opening game against New Zealand. As the clock was running out, a late substitution of Jill Roord in the 92nd minute proved to be all the difference for the Dutch.

From the far-left Van Dongen sent a deep cross to Lineth Beerensteyn at the far post. Beerensteyn launched the ball up in the air to Roord, who sent a downward header into the net from three yards out.

In the end, the Netherlands outshot New Zealand 17-6, and had seven more corner kick attempts (8-1). The Netherlands will face Cameroon next in their second match of Group E, on Saturday, June 15 at 8 a.m. CT.

Defender Celia Jimenez Delgado (2015-17) and the Spanish National Team won their opening match in Group B against South Africa 3-1. Up next, Spain takes on two-time World Cup champion Germany, Wednesday, June 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Both teams enter the game with three points after having won their opener, as Germany beat China 1-0, while Spain came from behind to beat South Africa 3-1 with two goals from the penalty spot.

The United States dominated start to finish in a 13-0 record-breaking win over Thailand on Tuesday. The United States' 13 goals are the most-ever scored in a World Cup match, and Alex Morgan's five goals ties the single-game record in a Women's World Cup match held by Michelle Akers (USA). In Group F, the U.S. will square off against Chile on Sunday, June 16 at 11 a.m. CT.

Fans can find more information at fifa.com.

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