PARIS, July 25 -- France survived a late comeback by Colombia to win 3-2 in their first women's football group match at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto put the hosts into lead in the sixth minute when the striker powered past two Colombian defenders before putting the ball past helpless goalkeeper Katherine Tapia.

Kenza Dali made it 2-0 in France's favor in the 18th minute with a long shot which bounced off the crossbar into the goal. Katoto struck again in the 42nd minute to put France 3-0 ahead.

Colombia fought back after the break and won a penalty kick, which was converted by Catalina Usme in the 54th minute.

Then Manuela Pavi's goal in the 64th minute reduced France's lead to 3-2. But the hosts regrouped and held onto their lead to the finish.

In an earlier kick-off, reigning women's World Cup holders Spain had to work hard and come from behind against a spirited Japan to win their first ever football game at Olympic Games.

Goals from Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey turned the match around 2-1 for the side who have to be considered gold medal favorites, despite a tough group that also contains Nigeria and Brazil.

Japan are one of the last teams to have beaten Spain, defeating them in the group stage in last year's World Cup, after the Spanish had already assured a place in the next phase.

They showed themselves to be feisty rivals again, taking the lead with a wonder-goal after 13 minutes through a free kick from Aoba Fujino.

Canada also had to come back from one goal down to beat New Zealand. New Zealand scored in the 13th minute through Mackenzie Barry who made a superb turn in the box to finish a cross from Katie Kitching.

In the injury time of the first half, Cloe Lacasse equalized for Canada after she outpaced the opposition defenders to find the net.

Evelyne Viens wrapped up the win for the defending champions in the 79th minute when she picked up a long pass from Jessie Fleming and scored with a one-touch shot.

Elsewhere, the United States and Germany both cruised to 3-0 win respectively over Zambia and Australia.

Brazil beat Nigeria 1-0. Nunes Gabi scored the sole goal of the match assisted by Marta, who was playing at her sixth and final Olympic Games. The 38-year-old planned to retire from the national team after the Paris Olympics.

  - Xinhua