The first game of a major competition is always a nervous and tricky encounter. Teams are invariably anxious and early goals are the best elixir for that anxiety.

And while the Hockeyroos couldn’t cash in on early chances, they did score before half-time in a 2-0 win over Japan to open their FIH World Cup campaign in the Netherlands.

Claire Colwill scored both goals in the victory, opening their account after 27 minutes and doubling up in the 50th.

Australia looked prepared and ready to play and they started with a rush, but could not capitalise on field position and good chances.

It was well into the second quarter when Colwill finished decisively from their second penalty corner of the game after 27 minutes.

Australia had 16 circle entries to Japan’s three in a reflection of their first-half domination in field play. But some great saves thwarted early chances to Mariah Williams and Alice Arnott. The teams went into half time with Australia leading 1-0.

It was more of the same in the third quarter, with Australia lacking the finish coach Rhett Hackett would have wanted. Courtney Schonell had the best chance of the third quarter and a little more composure might have found the target and Wilson’s second shot after another penalty corner went wide.

Japan did not threaten Australia’s goal at all in the third quarter but remained in the game. A one-goal lead is only ever enough when the final whistle goes.

Colwill found the net again after 50 minutes from Australia’s fifth corner and the game was settled. Japan only managed belated attacks and Jocelyn Bartram did not have to have to make a single save in Australian goals.

Given their ascendency, Australia could have won by more and with group rivals Chile only losing by two goals to the Netherlands, the placings in pool A are likely to remain contested well into the first week.

For the Hockeyroos, Colwill’s goals were promising and Stephanie Kershaw, Arnott and Amy Lawton were busy. Australia’s defence was seldom threatened.

That will not be the case against the Netherlands on Monday, with the Hockeyroos determined to limit the damage and maybe even upset the Olympic champions.