Brazil's Delma Goncalves, plays the ball past Uruguay's Tamy Gares, in a women's soccer match during the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, 12 July 2007

Competition is under way at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, as host Brazil defeated Uruguay, 4-0, on the opening day of the women's football tournament.

Midfielder Daniela Alves scored a pair of goals Thursday to help the defending champions win.  Also in Group-A, striker Tashana Vincent scored a 47th-minute winner to lead Jamaica over Ecuador, 1-0.

In Group B, the U.S. women routed Paraguay, 7-1.  Striker Lauren Cheney scored three goals for the hat trick, as the Americans poured it on after giving up a goal to Paraguay in the first two minutes.  The U.S. is using an under-age 20 team that includes two high school players on the roster.

Also in Group B Thursday, Argentina beat Panama, 2-0.
  
The Pan Am Games official opening ceremony is Friday night at Maracana Stadium.  The women's football tournament began one day earlier to accommodate the competition's long schedule.

Some information for this report was provided by AP .