Parris, White Score as England Beats Neighbor Scotland to Open World Cup

Ellen White got England off to a winning start at the Women's World Cup, curling in a shot to give the 2015 semifinalists a 2-1 victory against tournament newcomers Scotland.

NICE, France (AP) Ellen White got England off to a winning start at the Women's World Cup, curling in a shot to give the 2015 semifinalists a 2-1 victory against tournament newcomers Scotland.

In a dominant first half, Nikita Parris netted a penalty in the 14th minute before White struck in the 40th on the French Riviera.

But there was no repeat of England's 6-0 rout of its neighbor at the European Championship two years ago, with Scotland ensuring it was a nervy end for England coach Phil Neville's side after Claire Emslie pulled one back in the 79th.

We’re about to reach HT and after #ENG’s Nikita Parris grabbed the opener from the penalty spot, Ellen White makes it 2-0 (via @FOXSoccer)pic.twitter.com/FyZcAVLQEc

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) June 9, 2019

.@emslie22 scores #SCO’s first ever goal at the #FIFAWWC as her team trails #ENG by one goal in the final minutes of regular time (via @FOXSoccer) pic.twitter.com/KpqgJwm39a

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) June 9, 2019

But the 20th-ranked Scots couldn't produce an equalizer against No. 3 England in Group D, which also features Japan and Argentina.

Despite FIFA's attempts to talk up ticket sales at the World Cup, the stadium in Nice was only about a third full with the attendance given as 13,188.