Announcing themselves as one of the teams to beat in the Championship, Haudenosaunee, a historically powerful north-east Native American tribe also known as the Iroquois, brushed aside their European rivals to record a 19-1 victory in the Pool E clash at Justin Chiu Stadium in Peterborough.

Haudenosaunee’s Lois Garlow said it was a great way to return to the world stage.

"It’s a pretty big opportunity for our team and nation because I know the last time we weren’t able to go," she said. 

"I think it’s just really big opportunity for our girls to come out and show what we have to the world. 

"It’s pretty cool to see all the other countries here, and to learn all little a bit about other’s culture and what they believe in, and why they play the sport."

Nina Verreth was overcome by emotion after scoring in the latter stages as Belgium made history with a first World Championship goal.

"I'm really happy for them!" coach Marijke Thys said.

"They're the future of Belgian lacrosse, they are going to go back home and take their experiences to make themselves better players.

"Playing against a team as skilled as the Haudenosaunee is a fantastic learning opportunity."

Thys is a member of the Belgian women's national team and claimed the World Championships offer a great developmental opportunity for her nation.

"They all play for different clubs back home," she said. 

"When I went to their high-schools, I was there to see them picking up their sticks for the first time, scoring their first goals, making their first passes; so, this is also very special for me."

In Pool E's other match on the opening day of the tournament Hong Kong secured a first ever Under-19 World Championship victory by defeating Israel 11-7.

China also recorded a first World Championship victory in an 18-5 Pool C win against Jamaica 18-5, while Germany won 16-8 against South Korea.

New Zealand swept aside Wales 17-3 in Pool B and were joined at the top of the group by Japan, who eased to a 20-1 victory against Scotland.

In Pool D Czech Republic opened their account with a 15-5 triumph against Mexico.