PARIS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Hosts France kicked off a flying start at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, putting the quadrennial event underway with a 4-0 victory over their Group A rivals South Korea at Parc des Princes here on Friday.

Lyon striker Eugenie Le Sommer opened scoring for Les Bleues just nine minutes into the tournament opener after being picked out by captain and her club teammate Amandine Henry.

The goal from the UEFA champion League winners' star forward also marked the fastest score in history, dating any of the first goal records of all seven previous editions of the quadrennial competitions.

Another Lyon player Griedge Mbock Bathy could have made it two, but the 24-year-old defender's effort on 27 minutes was canceled after Uruguay referee Claudia Umpierrez ruled it offside after a VAR review.

Eight minutes later, however, Wendie Renard converted in Gaetane Thiney's corner with a header to double France's advantage.

And two minutes into the stoppage time of the first half, the 1.82-meter tall center back, the tallest of these finals, jumped high to power home Amel Majri's corner from the penalty spot, 3-0.

Les Bleues skipper Henry wrapped the opening victory up as the midfielder, also playing for Lyon, picked up possession out of the box and curled an unstoppable shot beyond the reach of South Korean goalie Kim Minjung.

Having called up seven Lyon players in her 23-strong squad, France's coach Corinne Diacre opted to send them all among the starting 11.

Her counterpart of the South Korea team, Yoon Dukyeo, stood most of the second half on the edge of his technical area, trying to get the players to find their rhythm, but his players kept struggling to find their feet though to the end of the tournament opener. Enditem

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