Germany had won their past 11 competitive games against Sweden, including the Rio 2016 Olympic final, but they were unable to make the breakthrough at the Rat Verlegh Stadion in Breda.

Mandy Islacker had Germany’s best attempt after half-time, but she shot narrowly wide.

At the other end, Stina Blackstenius’ low shot from close range was well saved by goalkeeper Almuth Schult.

The Germans are once again considered the team to beat having won the last six editions of the tournament, including in 2013 when the competition was held in Sweden.

No other team has won the event since Norway in 1993.

In today’s earlier game, Russia defeated two-time finalists Italy 2-1 at the Sparta Stadion in Rotterdam.

Elena Danilova and Elena Morozova scored Russia’s goals in the first-half with Ilaria Mauro’s late reply for Italy proving to be nothing more than a consolation.

Italy thought they had equalised only for Elisa Bartoli to be correctly adjudged offside.

Russia's Elvira Ziyastinova was also forced to clear the ball off the line after Italy had struck the crossbar in stoppage time.

Victory for Russia ends their 16-game winless streak at the European Championship finals.

Group B is due to resume on Friday (July 21), when Sweden play Russia at the Stadion De Adelaarshorst in Deventer and Germany go up against Italy at the Willem II Stadion in Tilburg. 

Action is due to continue tomorrow with Group C taking centre stage.

Austria face Switzerland in Deventer before France go up against Iceland in Tilburg.