Germany have avenged their defeat to USA in the final of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Stars and Stripes in the teams' Canada 2014 opener.

It was a deserved win for Maren Meinert's side, who dominated the second half, creating a succession of gilt-edged chances after a more even opening period.

Both sides had their chances during the first 45, with the dangerous Lindsey Horan forcing an early reflex save from Meike Kamper with a first-time shot after just 11 minutes. At the other end, the US were indebted to Katie Naughton for keeping the scores blank at half-time. Pauline Bremer had headed towards goal with American keeper Katelyn Rowland stranded, but with the ball trickling towards the line Naughton threw herself across goal to make a dramatic clearance.

USA started the second half well, but with Kamper - excellent throughout - an assured presence in the Germany goal, the balance of play soon shifted. Indeed, the US would have gone behind after 54 minutes but for an incredible miss by Germany captain Lina Magull. Rowland had lost out to Bremer in a challenge, but when the striker squared unselfishly for her skipper, Magull - faced with only a couple of US defenders on the line - somehow shot left-footed against the post when a goal seemed certain.

Meinert's side would not be denied, though, and on 65 minutes took the lead. Lena Petermann was the player who made the breakthrough, bursting through from deep on to Bremer's through ball and keeping her composure to smash home a powerful shot off the underside of the crossbar. USA attempted to rally thereafter but although Horan headed wide from close range and Kamper made a fine double save to deny Mallory Pugh, there could be no complaints about the outcome.

And the inevitable became official in the final minute of the 90 when Theresa Panfil secured victory with an excellent second goal, driving forward from midfield and drilling low into the corner from the edge of the box.

Live Your Goals player of the match: Theresa Panfil