Netherlands won their opening game of the IFCPF World Cup ©IFCPF/Twitter

Netherlands got their International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a 3-0 victory over Canada in Group D.

Gerard Bambacht fired home from range early on at Ciudad Deportiva José Ramón Cisneros Palacios, the training ground of La Liga club Sevilla.

After the break, Jeroen Schuitert drilled a penalty over the bar following a handball, before moments later Canada hit the woodwork at the other end.

However, Netherlands overcame their wobble when a brace from Jeroen Saedt wrapped up their victory.

Russia swept aside Thailand in their opening fixture of the tournament ©IFCPF/Twitter
Russia swept aside Thailand in their opening fixture of the tournament ©IFCPF/Twitter

Russia were in ominous form in their opening game, firing six unanswered goals past Thailand.

In Group C, Ukraine recorded an even better result, hammering Australia 7-0.

Tomorrow’s action see England get their Group A campaign up and running with a fixture against Germany, while Brazil take on Japan.

In Group B, the United States lock horns with Iran and Ireland clash with Finland.