England and Netherlands goal festivals, USA in last sixteen too
England reached the last sixteen in the Women’s World Cup today by thrashing China 6-1. England had won the Women’s World Cup by such a big margin only once before. Against Argentina in the 2007 World Cup. England’s margin of victory in that match was also 6–1.
England forward Lauren James scored two goals against China in Adelaide. In addition to scoring a pair of goals, this Chelsea star scored three goals. According to football statistical Twitter account ‘Opta Joe’, James has set a record as the first England player to contribute at least 5 goals directly in a match in both boys and girls World Cups. England reached the last sixteen with 9 points after winning all 3 matches from ‘D’ group. England’s opponents are Nigeria in the last sixteen match on Tuesday.
Last sixteen from Group ‘D’
Denmark also secured their place in the last sixteen from Group ‘D’. Denmark beat Haiti 2-0 in Perth today to advance to the group stage. With 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss in 3 matches, the Danish girls qualified for the knockout phase of the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 28 years as the second team in the group. Earlier, Denmark lost to Norway in the quarter-finals of the 1995 Women’s World Cup. England will take on the World Cup co-hosts Australia in the last sixteen on Monday. This is the fastest exit from the tournament for Asian champions China with 1 win in 3 matches.
There are two more matches in the Women’s World Cup today. Reigning champions USA survived a goalless draw with Portugal in Auckland. And the Netherlands destroyed Vietnam 7-0 in Dunedin.
Portugal Ranked
Portugal, ranked 21st, is playing in the Women’s World Cup for the first time. Portugal’s girls could have won against the No. 1 ranked team, the United States, if luck had helped. Substitute Portuguese forward Ana Kapeta hit the US post in added time. However, if they win, Portugal will send off the United States and rise to the last sixteen.
United States has reached the last sixteen as the runner-up team of ‘E’ group with 5 points in 3 matches. Portugal left the tournament with 4 points in 3 matches. Group bottom side Vietnam has already been confirmed.
Dutch girls celebrate goal against Asian team
Dutch girls celebrate goal against Asian team Vietnam in Dunedin. Esme Bruts and Jill Roard scored twice. This is the biggest margin of victory so far in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Earlier, Germany beat Morocco 6-0. With 7 points in 3 matches, the Netherlands has reached the last sixteen as the champion team of ‘E’ group. The Dutch’s opponents in the last sixteen are yet to be decided. The Netherlands will face the runner-up team of the ‘G’ group in the last sixteen on Sunday.