Women's World Cup: Norway, China, Spain Lock Up Berths In Knockout Stage; France, Germany Finish Perfect Group Stages

The third and final cycle of FIFA Women's World Cup group-stage games commenced on Monday with four games.

GROUP A:

At Rennes:

Wendie Renard converted a penalty kick in the 79th minute to carry France to a 1-0 victory over Nigeria to lock up top spot in Group A.

At Reims:

Isabell Herlovsen converted a penalty kick for the winning goal in the 50th minute as Norway defeated South Korea 2-1 to lay claim to a knockout-stage berth.

Final Group A Standings:

1. France (GP: 3; GD: +6; PTS: 9)
2. Norway (GP: 3; GD: +3; PTS: 6)
3. Nigeria (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 3)
4. South Korea (GP: 3; GD: -7; PTS: 0)

France and Norway advanced to the knockout stage.



GROUP B:

At Montpellier:

Melanie Leopolz (14'), Sara Dabritz (29'), Alexandra Popp (40'), and Lina Magull (58') each scored once as Germany demolished South Africa 4-0 to lock up top spot in Group B. 

At Le Harve:

A 0-0 stalemate was good enough for both China and Spain as both squads clinched berths in the knockout stage.

Final Group B Standings:

1. Germany (GP: 3; GD: +6; PTS: 9)
2. Spain (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3. China (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. South Africa (GP: 3; GD: -7; PTS: 0)

Germany, Spain, and China advanced to the knockout stage.