The Young Matildas beat New Zealand 3-0 in their opening group match at the FIFA women's under-20 world championships.

A double to Collette McCallum and an injury time goal to captain Sally Shipard got the Australians home in searing heat in St Petersburg.

McCallum banged home a long range effort in each half, curling a corner into the net in the 39th minute before blasting a goal from outside the box in the 80th.

Shipard headed home a 93rd minute corner.

"I thought that we were okay but we can do better," coach Alistair Edwards said after the match.

Australia faces Brazil and host Russia in its other group A matches.

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