Megan Rapinoe’s double has condemned Australia to a first-up Women’s World Cup defeat at the hands of tournament favourites United States.

The Matildas were outscored but not outclassed in their 3-1 loss in Winnipeg, Canada, with Lisa De Vanna scoring the match’s best goal to equalise in the first half.

Australia were bright and edged the first half but faded in the second, when Christen Press and one-time Sydney FC striker Rapinoe added to her opening goal.

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Australia’s difficulties began before kick-off, with coach Alen Stajcic forced into a major reshuffle with the withdrawals of co-captain Clare Polkinghorne (hamstring) and first-choice goalkeeper Lydia Williams (thigh).

Despite the changes, Australia started the match sharply before a packed house in Winnipeg.

Emily van Egmond’s fourth-minute shot was pushed onto the crossbar by US keeper Hope Solo.

The Matildas were the aggressors in the opening 10 minutes, breaking their more fancied rivals down and breaking with pace.

But Australia were hit by a sucker punch in the 11th minute.

Rapinoe’s speculative effort took a huge deflection off Laura Alleway’s knee, leaving Barbieri stranded and bouncing into the net.

The Matildas picked themselves up and continued their relentless attack on the US goal.

Sam Kerr’s first-time volley from Elise Kellond-Knight’s terrific ball was well saved by Solo, but the star keeper couldn’t resist the Matildas for much longer.

On 27 minutes, De Vanna capped a fine team goal involving five Matildas by lashing into the net at the near post.

Caitlin Foord received a ball from defence, heading to Sam Kerr, who returned the ball for Foord to lay off a piercing first-time ball to Michelle Heyman.

The tall striker played in De Vanna who in her 100th international became the first Australian to score at three Women’s World Cups.

It was a goal any side would savour and gave the Matildas a footing back into the match.

After the break, the tournament favourites wrested the game back on their terms and on the hour mark they were ahead once more.

Sydney Laroux’s fine run and cross found Press arriving in the box to half-volley past Barbieri at the back post.

The Americans were surging as the Matildas lost their shape and fitness, with Rapinoe breaking away to score their third.

Australia will resume their campaign on Saturday morning (AEST) against Nigeria, who earned a 3-3 draw with Sweden in Group D’s earlier game.

– AAP