The Junior Football Ferns made a dream start to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on Thursday, claiming a 2-0 win over Paraguay in Montreal.
First half goals from Emma Rolston and Stephanie Skilton paved the way to victory in the Group D encounter at the Olympic Stadium as neither team could find a second half scoring touch.
Rolston's opener came with five first half minutes remaining as the Junior Football Ferns striker curled a left-footed effort inside the post from the edge of the area.
Kiwi celebrations erupted again just three minutes later as Skilton, who was influential throughout for the Junior Football Ferns side, finished into an open goal after excellent work from Katie Bowen saw the captain chase down possession and provide the cross which produced the goal.
Thursday's result is the third victory for a New Zealand U-20 side at a FIFA Women's World Cup tournament after wins over Switzerland in 2012 and Chile in 2008.
