An awesome opening ten minutes from the United States of America, systematically pulling New Zealand apart with passing of precision and pace set a benchmark for the rest of the teams in this tournament and gave them the platform for a twelfth successive Olympic win since their group stage defeat to Norway in Qinhuangdao in 2008.

It took wonderkid, Mallory Pugh less than four minutes to make her mark on the world stage, searing down the right flank to force an early corner. From it, Julie Johnstone and Alex Morgan both had close range headers saved by New Zealand keeper, Erin Nayler. Morgan then headed Heath’s free kick over. Carli Lloyd was not so wasteful from another Heath cross, looping it beyond Nayler to give USA the lead in the ninth minute.

With Julie Johnstone drilling passes around from the back, Tobin Heath elusive on the left and Morgan Brian playing in-between the lines, the USA cruised through the rest of the half. Hannah Wilkinson had New Zealand’s best chance in the 29th minute swivelling in the penalty area after a long throw was flicked on at the near post, but her shot lacked any power and failed to trouble Hope Solo.

It took the USA 34 seconds to extend their lead at the start of the second half. A superb exchange of passes between Allie Long, Heath and Brian released Alex Morgan in the penalty area and the Orlando Pride striker drove the ball past Nayler at her near post.

There was a worrying moment for the champions when Johnstone was outpaced by Wilkinson chasing a long ball in the 61st minute, and seemed to wrestle her to the ground but the referee gave the free kick in the American’s favour. Otherwise, the Football Ferns only threatened sporadically from set pieces and face a tough task qualifying from a group also including France and Colombia.

In contrast, US coach, Jill Ellis was able to withdraw Pugh and Morgan and try out her options from the bench. Crystal Dunn’s pace and trickery down the right enlivened the second half. It was from her run that Heath nearly made it three late on as the US move on to an eagerly anticipated match with France on Saturday night full of confidence.