Carson, CA (My Sportsbook) - Elena Fomina's goal in added time lifted Russia to a 2-1 win over Australia in Sunday's Group D opener of the 2003 Women's World Cup at the Home Depot Stadium.

Australia controlled possession for much of the game, but crucial mistakes led to their demise.

Though Fomina missed a penalty kick in the 71st minute, she redeemed herself in the 91st minute by scoring from 20 yards out, giving her team a surprising 2-1 victory.

Kelly Golebiowski put Australia in front in the 37th minute. Danielle Small's attempt on net hit the post and the midfielder was there for the easy finish.

In the 39th minute, Russia benefited from Dianne Alagich's own goal and the match became level at one. Russia's Marina Saenko sent the ball into the area and Alagich tried to deflect it out, but accidentally angled it into her own net.

In the end, the Russians outshot its opponents 9-7, despite Australia's firm command of possession.

Golebiowski had a chance to break the 1-1 tie in the 52nd minute, but could not finish a pass from Bryony Duus. Russia goalkeeper Alla Volkova struggled with a clearance, which led to the shot.

Just a minute after Fomina missed a penalty kick, she nearly redeemed herself, but her shot banged off the crossbar.

To much surprise, Russia coach Yuri Bystritsky did not start experienced Svetlana Petko, who has 13-plus years of service and 130 caps at goalkeeper. Instead, Volkova got the nod and made a mistake by coming out too early on Small's attempt, which eventually led to the goal.

The match took a scrappy tone early on as the first shot wasn't fired until the 15 minute mark by Saenko.

Heather Garriock fired the first shot for the Matildas in the 19th minute, but Volkova was there for the save. Despite taking nearly 20 minutes to fire their first salvo, Australia's offense looked promising holding possession for 54 percent of the half.

Garriock had an excellent chance to put her squad in front in the 26th minute, but the midfielder could not convert a perfect through ball by star teammate Joanne Peters and Volkova was once again, there for the save.

Barbachina came right back for the Russians a minute later, but her one-timer from Fomina slipped wide left.

Australia played the second half without defender Sacha Wainwright, who left the pitch just before halftime with an injury. Duus came on to replace her.

The victorious Russians face China on Thursday, while Australia plays Ghana -- also on Thursday.

MATCH NOTES: Australia is still seeking its first ever women's World Cup win in their third appearance. They are 0-1-5 all-time.