Two Arsenal players found the net as women’s football kicked off at the 2024 Olympic Games.

New signing Mariona Caldentey marked an impressive display for Spain by scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 comeback win over Japan in Group C.

Turnaround complete ?Spain's dominance is rewarded with a neatly worked goal from Arsenal's new signing Mariona Caldentey ?#BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/sbBenRsf0f

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 25, 2024

Caldentey flourished on the left wing, often drifting infield as part of Spain’s dynamic frontline, and causing problems for the Japan defence in the second half particularly. Laia Codina was an unused substitute.

In the other early kick-off, Cloe Lacasse levelled for Canada against New Zealand, finishing off a fine team move on the stroke of half-time. Bev Priestman’s side won 2-1 in the Group A clash.

Superb team goal from Canada and it’s Arsenal’s Lacasse with the finish #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/jAtafYie5V

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) July 25, 2024

Right-back Emily Fox played the entirety of the USA’s 3-0 win over 10-player Zambia in Group B, but Fox’s Arsenal teammates representing Australia against Germany in the same group would suffer a 3-0 defeat in Marseille.

Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley were both substituted in the second half having failed to make their mark, with Kyra Cooney-Cross playing the full match.

STARTING XI ?Here's how we line up for our opening game of #Paris2024 ??: 3:00am AEST???: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport#Matildas #TilitsDone #AllezAUS #Olympics pic.twitter.com/NnPAFG2jnR

— Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 25, 2024

Elsewhere, France beat Colombia 3-2 and Nigeria lost 1-0 to Brazil.