FIFA Women's World Cup: Canada, China, Germany, Norway Advance To Knockout Stage

Four games were played on Monday as the final cycle of group-stage games in the FIFA Women's World Cup commenced in Canada.

GROUP A:

At Montreal:

Kirsten van der Ven's equalizer in the 87th minute enabled the Netherlands to gain a 1-1 draw with Canada.  Ashley Lawrence scored in the 10th minute for the Canadians, who won Group A and a berth in the knockout stage.  The Dutch, who finished third in the group, still have a shot of advancing as one of the four best third-place group finishers.

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

Lisi Wang (PK-41') and Shanshan Wang (60') each scored a goal as China gained a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and laid claim to a knockout-stage berth.  Rebekah Stott (28') and Hannah Wilkinson (64') each delivered a goal for the Ferns, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Final Group A Standings:

1. Canada (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 5)
2. China (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
3. Netherlands (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. New Zealand (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 2)

Canada and China (due to more total goals than the Netherlands---3-2) advanced to the knockout stage.  The Dutch still have a chance to advance as one of the four third-place teams with the best records.



GROUP B:

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

Lena Petermann scored twice (56', 58') during a two-minute span as Germany locked up a berth in the knockout stage with a 4-0 demolition of Thailand.

At Moncton, New Brunswick:

Ada Hegerberg scored twice (6', 62') as Norway locked up a berth in the Round of 16 following their 3-1 win over already-eliminated Ivory Coast.

Final Group B Standings:

1. Germany (GP: 3; GD: +14; PTS; 7)
2. Norway (GP: 3; GD: +6; PTS: 7)
3. Thailand (GP: 3; GD: -7; PTS: 3)
4. Ivory Coast (GP: 3; GD: -13; PTS: 0)

Germany and Norway advanced to the knockout stage while Thailand could still advance as one of the four best third-place finishers.