Women's World Cup Results 2019: Group Scores and Twitter Reaction from Monday

Japan's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign got off to a frustrating start, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Argentina in their opening game. 

After a bright start, Japan found it hard to break down the Argentina defence and toiled for long spells of a goalless first period, meaning clear-cut chances were at a premium for the 2011 world champions. 

That pattern continued in the second half and aside from some minor scares, Argentina defended excellently and were deserving of a point.

In the second game of the day, a goal from Kadeisha Buchanan on the stroke of half time was enough to see Canada get past Cameroon 1-0. The header was reward for Canada's overall dominance, as they controlled the match for long spells.

Read on for a recap of Monday's action.    

Monday Results and Fixtures

Group D: Japan 0-0 Argentina

Group E: Cameroon 0-1 Canada

Monday Recap

After success in 2011 and a run to the final four years ago, Japan are considered a heavyweight nation on this stage. Despite stagnating since 2015, they were anticipated to have more than enough for their opponents in this fixture.

In the early stages of the match, they pinned Argentina back and broadcaster Carl Anka was concerned for the South Americans:

However, Japan failed to make the most of the early pressure they applied and allowed Argentina to settle into the game. Throughout the half, the underdogs grew in confidence in their defensive play and at half time, Asako Takakura's team were already looking bereft of ideas.

Emma Sanders of BBC Sport was surprised by the performances of both teams:

After the break, there were more openings for the favourites. Kumi Yokoyama brought a fine save out of Vanina Correa with a long-range effort before Yui Hasegawa screwed an effort wide from the edge of the area after brilliant buildup play.

Meanwhile, as football writer Katelyn Best noted, Argentina were happy to hold what they had:

While a late onslaught was expected from Japan, it never materialised. Argentina were able to stifle their opponents with ease in the final stages, allowing them to clinch their first ever point at the World Cup.

Those hoping for a more entertaining affair later in the day would have been disappointed, as the match between Canada and Cameroon was another attritional encounter.

In the end, it was a piece of poor defending from Cameroon that allowed their opponents to break the deadlock. In the 45th minute, a corner was flung into the penalty area and Buchanan was on hand to hammer a header home in acres of space.

Match of the Day shared the goal, with the 23-year-old ghosting in at the far post:

Sports writer Al Butler commented on the Canadian's determination to make space for herself and get to the ball first:

Cameroon struggled to establish a foothold in the game and in response to falling behind they were unable to conjure much. In the end, Canada should have doubled their advantage, with the usually lethal Christine Sinclair missing a clear opportunity two minutes from time.

Fans with a thirst for goals should get some on Tuesday, as the United States start the defence of their crown against Thailand in the late game. European champions the Netherlands will face New Zealand in the day's first fixture, which Chile also take on Sweden.