Germany and Norway advanced with wins to the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Monday, while a draw was enough to see hosts Canada and China through.
Favorites Germany beat Thailand 4-0 to progress as Group B leaders ahead of Norway, who secured their berth by beating Ivory Coast 3-1.
Canada were held 1-1 by the Netherlands, but it was enough to top Group A ahead of China, who were held 2-2 in their fiery do-or-die clash against New Zealand.
Photo: AP
The four join champions Japan and Brazil, the 2007 runners-up, who are already through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Germany came up against stiff resistance from the 29th-ranked Asians in Winnipeg, before Melanie Leupolz broke through after 24 minutes.
Two quick-fire headers from second-half substitute Lena Petermann just before the hour mark got the world’s top ranked team into their stride.
Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing made several saves before Sara Daebritz got a fourth for the 2003 and 2007 winners on 73 minutes.
Germany have seven points from three games, equal with Norway, but ahead on goal difference largely thanks to their 10-0 hammering of Ivory Coast in their opener.
Thailand, in third with three points, could still advance as one of the four best third-place finishers, but fellow newcomers Ivory Coast head home after three loses, scoring three goals and conceding 16.
Germany next play the best third-placed finisher from Group A, C, or D in Ottawa on Saturday, as Norway play the second-placed finisher from Group F, which includes France, England, Colombia and Mexico, on Monday next week.
In Moncton, Canada, Ada Hegerberg goals in the sixth and 62nd minute, and a third from Solveig Gulbrandsen on 67 minutes gave 1995 winners Norway all three points against Ivory Coast.
Ange N’Guessan got one back for 67th-ranked Ivory Coast after 71 minutes.
Canada were held 1-1 by the Netherlands in Montreal after Ashley Lawrence’s early goal was canceled out by a Kirsten Van de Ven equalizer three minutes from time.
The hosts have five points from three games and as Group A winners next meet the best third-place finisher from Group C, D, or E in Vancouver on Sunday.
China battled to a 2-2 draw against New Zealand as tempers flared in Winnipeg Stadium.
China coach Hao Wei was send to the stands late for hampering Ria Percival’s bid to take a quick thrown in, with New Zealand boss Tony Readings refusing to shake his hand after the game.
A point was enough for China to advance, but dumped New Zealand out of the tournament once again in the group stage.
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