The Dutch side officially opened the tournament against the runners-up in 2013, Norway, at Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht.

Liverpool's Shanice van de Sanden scored the only goal of the game as she headed in Lieke Martens' cross from close range after 66 minutes.

In front of a crowd of 21,732, a record for a women's football match in The Netherlands, the hosts should have opened the scoring inside 30 seconds but Danielle van de Donk had her attempt saved.

Norway striker Ada Hegerberg, the current BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, was subdued for the majority of the match.

Chelsea's Maren Mjelde came close with a free-kick for Norway but the Dutch held on for victory.

Elsewhere in Group A, Denmark also took maximum points from their opening fixture as they recorded a 1-0 victory over Belgium at Stadion De Vijverberg in Doetinchem.

The only goal of the game arrived in the sixth minute when Sanne Troelsgaard headed home.

Danish capitain Pernille Harder fired in a free-kick which Belgian goalkeeper Justien Odeurs acrobatically tipped onto the bar.

However, the ball dropped straight to Troelsgaard who headed into the unguarded net.

Action continues tomorrow when the pre-tournament favourites Germany begin their campaign.

The Germans have won the last six editions of the tournament and play Sweden, the Rio 2016 silver medallists, at Rat Verlegh Stadion in Breda.

Italy and Russia will also meet in Group B at the Sparta Stadion in Rotterdam.