Tokyo, Japan - The Tokyo Olympics started with a bang on Wednesday, after a one-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Sweden routing women's world champions the United States 3-0 in soccer.

Stina Blackstenius scored either side of half-time and Lina Hurtig added a third for the silver-medalists from Rio 2016, who famously eliminated the US in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out.

"It's very good for us to have this start to the tournament and we can be very proud of how we played this game and take everything positive to the next game," said Blackstenius.

The US saw a 44-match unbeaten streak shattered and will look to recover in Group G in three days time against New Zealand, who opened with a 2-1 loss to Australia.

Soccer National Women's Soccer League scores landmark media rights deal

"We did not play a very good game – and that is to take nothing away from Sweden, they played a great game," US star Megan Rapinoe said.

"They found a lot of space in our shape and were very clinical when they got in front of goal and did very well taking their chances."

Hosts Japan were held 1-1 by Canada in Group E, in which Britain also beat Chile 2-0.

And in Group F there was history for Brazilian star Marta as she became the first to score in five Olympic Games by opening the 5-0 thrashing of China.

The Netherlands crushed Zambia 10-3 in the other tie – Vivianne Miedema bagged four for the Dutch while Barbra Banda struck an ultimately futile hat-trick for the Africans.

There are further preliminary matches on Thursday before the Games officially open in Tokyo on Friday.