The New Zealand women's football team has been beaten 2-1 by Japan in their opening match at the Fifa World Cup in Germany.
The world number 4 ranked Japanese dominated possession and territory, but needed a well taken free kick midway through the second half to break the dead-lock.
Japan scored after 6 minutes, with Amber Hearn replying for the Football Ferns after 12 minutes.
The New Zealand coach John Herdman says the Japanese dazzled everybody, as per usual, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
He says they tried to come out of it with at least a point, but Japan didn't give up that easily.
England and Mexico drew 1-all in the other match in the group.
New Zealand's next game is against England on Saturday morning.
