Two of the sport's heavyweight powers met in Group D at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi with all three goals arriving in the first half.

Spain took the lead when Brazilian defender Wesley turned Ferran Torres' low cross into his own net after five minutes.

The setback seemed to spur the South Americans into life, however, with Lincoln taking advantage of a defensive mix-up in the six-yard box to level with 25 minutes played.

In first-half stoppage time, Paulinho scored what proved to be the winner as he fired past Alvaro Fernandez following Marcos Antonio's through-ball.

Elsewhere in Group D, Niger beat North Korea 1-0 in the second match in Kochi.

Salim Abdourahmane struck on 59 minutes with the only goal to seal the points for the Africans. 

In Group C, played at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, Germany left it late to record an opening 2-1 success over Costa Rica.

Noah Awuku struck after 89 minutes when the Central Americans failed to deal with a cross.

Jann-Fiete Arp chipped home an opener for Germany on 21 minutes but Andres Gomez fired into the corner for Costa Rica shortly after the hour mark.

Iran defeated Guinea 3-1 in the second game in Margao.

After a goalless first half, Allahyar Sayyad gave the Iranians the lead on 59 minutes before Mohammad Sharifi doubled the advantage with a 70th minute penalty.

Saeid Karimi added a third in the 90th minute with Guinea then notching a consolation through Fandje Toure.

Groups E and F will begin in India tomorrow.

In the former, France will play their own overseas territory, New Caledonia, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

Honduras will play Japan at the same venue.

Group F will be held at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata with England meeting Chile and Iraq taking on Mexico.