France and Jamaica reach last 16 as Brazil exit Women's World Cup

Melbourne, Aug. 3: Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick as France marched into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday in a 6-3 thriller against Panama. Les Bleues finished top of Group F ahead of Jamaica, who held Brazil to a goalless draw, denying talismanic striker Marta a fairytale ending to her World Cup career. With only a point needed to qualify, France coach Herve Renard shuffled the deck, making five changes from the team that battled past Brazil on Saturday.

He rested inspirational captain Wendie Renard, with Grace Geyoro assuming the armband. Veteran striker Eugenie Le Sommer also made way with Clara Mateo and Diani up front.

France were left trailing after just 67 seconds when Panama's Marta Cox swerved a freekick into the corner from 30 yards for her country's first-ever World Cup goal. Cox spun away in celebration and was mobbed by teammates as the tears flowed at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.

But the euphoria was short-lived as France ran riot, with Diani scoring twice – one a penalty – and Maelle Lakrar and Lea Le Garrec adding a goal apiece before half-time.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Diani got her third from the spot after the restart, but Panama refused to give up.

Yomira Pinzon added their second with a crisply struck penalty and Lineth Cedeno scored again in an exciting finale, before Vicki Becho finished well to seal the game for France in injury time. The win ensured France finished top of Group F to set up a knockout round clash with the second-placed team in Group H – most likely Germany.

Marta denied

In the group's other match, Jamaica strangled Brazil 0-0 to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.

It was heartbreak for the legendary Brazilian attacker Marta, who at age 37 had said this would be her last World Cup.

The 37-year-old, arguably the greatest women's footballer of all time, started the game but could do nothing to help Brazil get the goals they needed as their campaign ended in a toothless stalemate.

"It's hard to talk at a time like this. Not even in my worst nightmares was it the World Cup I dreamed of," said Marta, who looked as shell-shocked as she was upset.

But it was joy for a Jamaica team who are yet to concede at the tournament and are into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

In front of a crowd of nearly 28,000, the Brazilians had more of the ball and attempts at goal – Jamaica had none on target all game to Brazil's five.

But for all that and with Marta starting, Jamaica were never really in serious trouble, defending deep and in numbers.

Their achievement, having lost all three games in their debut World Cup in 2019, is all the more remarkable considering the tensions behind the scenes.

The players have been in open dispute with their football federation over a lack of support, including issues over pay and poor planning in the build-up to the World Cup.

Defender Allyson Swaby said last week that making an impact at the tournament would send a message to the country's football bosses that the women's team deserve better treatment.

US face Sweden test 

Sweden and holders the United States will meet in the last 16 while South Africa stunned Italy for a first win ever at the tournament and a place in the knockout stage. Sweden confirmed top spot in Group G with a 2-0 win over an Argentina side on Wednesday that finished bottom with a solitary point and are on their way home.

A Rebecka Blomqvist header and an Elin Rubensson penalty did the damage for Sweden, who are ranked three in the world to the USA's one.

They will be a whole different proposition on Sunday in Melbourne, having won all three of their group games and scoring nine goals in the process. South Africa finished second in the group and will play the 2019 runners-up the Netherlands for a place in the last eight.

It was a historic evening's work for the African champions, their stunning 3-2 win over Italy a first World Cup win and taking them into the knockouts for the first time too.

Italy, who had only needed a draw to go through, are instead going home.

Captain Thembi Kgatlana scored a dramatic winner in the 92nd minute for South Africa.

"They fought like warriors. They fought like the heroines that we know that they are," said coach Desiree Ellis. "They've made history -- not just getting our first win but a place in the round of 16. (AFP)