France couldn't get past a draw in their debut in the Women's World Cup against Jamaica on Sunday, while Sweden and the Netherlands, serious title contenders, won their respective matches against South Africa (2-1) and Portugal (1-0) without brilliance.

In the third match of the day, the French dominated but were unable to find a crack in the solid Jamaican defense. In the final stretch, the Europeans thought they would win the game in the last minute with a header by Kady Diani, but it was first rejected by the crossbar and then by the post, without entering the goal (minute 90).

"The second half was much better. We fell against a team that gave everything and we couldn't equalize," said French coach Hervé Renard. "But sometimes we can start a competition modestly and it will get better later."

The draw prevents the French from temporarily leading Group F before Monday's match between Brazil and Panama (11:00 GMT). Jamaica, on the other hand, earns its first point in its history in a Women's World Cup.

"I would say this is the number one result we have achieved so far, men and women included, I would define it that way," said Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson after the match.

"We played against France, which is a fantastic team. Look at the rankings and we can say that this result, in this test, has to be number one (in our history)," he added.

"Don't worry"

The second match of the European team in this World Cup, against Brazil on Saturday, is now crucial for advancing to the round of 16.

"It will be an important match but there will also be a third one and you can count on us, don't worry," reassured Renard ahead of the match against Brazil.

Meanwhile, Sweden, ranked third by FIFA, had to come from behind in Sunday's first match to defeat South Africa 2-1 in the 90th minute through defender Amanda Ilestedt, to the relief of their fans who arrived at the Regional Stadium of Wellington under cold and rainy weather for this first match of Group G.

South Africa opened the scoring early in the second half through Hildah Magaia, who suffered an injury that forced her to leave the game.

The scores were levelled shortly afterwards by Barcelona star Fridolina Rolfo, before Ilestedt's goal sealed the match.

The Swedes, considered title contenders, dominated ball possession but seemed to struggle with the rainy conditions and the South African defensive scheme.