SYDNEY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) — France beat Panama 6-3 to succeed in the final 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, whereas a goalless draw was sufficient for Jamaica to get rid of Brazil on Wednesday.
In Group G, South Africa beat Italy in a 3-2 thriller and Sweden had a snug 2-0 victory over Argentina.
Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick in Sydney as fifth ranked France completed prime of Group F with seven factors.
Only needing a draw to qualify, France was shocked within the second minute when Panama captain Marta Cox scored a spectacular objective from a long-range free-kick.
France regrouped fantastically with Diani scoring twice as they powered into half-time with an nearly unassailable 4-1 lead.
Diani accomplished her hat-trick with a penalty kick shortly after the interval earlier than France took the foot off the pedal.
Panama acquired comfort objectives when Yomira Pinzon scored a penalty and Lineth Cedeno headed dwelling late, however the end result was by no means doubtful.
With the draw they wanted towards Brazil in Melbourne, Jamaica progressed into the spherical of 16 for the primary time.
Playing with trademark defensive would possibly, Jamaica regularly pissed off Brazil who struggled to create clear alternatives regardless of legendary striker Marta Vieira da Silva being recalled into the beginning line-up.
It was a disappointing exit for Brazil, who completed with three factors as a primary World Cup title stays elusive.
Earlier, in a dramatic end in Wellington, Thembi Kgatlana scored the winner within the 92nd minute to get rid of Italy, who completed one level behind second-placed South Africa in Group G.
South Africa will play 2019 runner-up Netherlands within the spherical of 16.
“This is just amazing. I thought they were incredible,” South Africa coach Desiree Ellis stated.
“I said we were going to fight for every ball. We said we’re not going to give up and they were absolutely magnificent.”
Arianna Caruso scored each of Italy’s objectives and appeared to have secured the draw they wanted to progress with an equaliser within the 74th minute earlier than Kgatlana’s heroics in stoppage time.
Italy, ranked 38 spots greater than South Africa, was left in tears by their early exit.
“I don’t think I can find the right words in this moment,” Caruso stated. “I am not happy because we scored two goals and we didn’t do anything.”
Third-ranked Sweden topped the group after a 2-0 victory over Argentina in Hamilton to e book a blockbuster spherical of 16 conflict with title holder the United States on Sunday in Melbourne.
“The U.S. are ranked number one. It might be better to play them on Sunday than in the semis or final,” stated Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson.
“From a psychological perspective we know we can beat them. I think the players are convinced they can definitely win on Sunday and I believe that too.”
With Sweden’s spot already assured, they made 9 adjustments towards Argentina however nonetheless dominated and hit the scoreboard by means of a Rebecka Blomqvist header within the 66th minute and a late Elin Rubensson penalty.
Sweden joined Japan and England as the one groups to have gained all three video games up to now within the event.
The group levels conclude on Thursday when Colombia performs Morocco and Germany faces South Korea to find out Group H placings.