SYDNEY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Despite conceding a goal after 67 seconds into the game, France thrashed debutant Panama 6-3 on Wednesday to book a last 16 spot at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick in Sydney as fifth-ranked France topped Group F with seven points. Jamaica finished second after a goalless draw eliminated Brazil.
After a sluggish scoreless draw against Jamaica, France ignited their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Brazil but received an early scare against underdog Panama.
Only needing a draw to qualify, France was stunned in the second minute when Panama captain Marta Cox scored a spectacular goal from a long-range free-kick.
It was Panama's first World Cup goal with a teary-eyed Cox emotional in celebration.
A rattled France went on the attack and was rewarded in the 21st minute through a goal from Maelle Lakrar.
France found their rhythm and hit the front in the 28th minute when Diani scored on her second attempt.
She added another through a penalty kick after a Panama handball in the box and France's domination was complete when Lea Le Garrec scored moments before half-time.
France maintained their intent after the interval with Diani completing her hat-trick with one more penalty kick after another Panama handball in the box.
Panama received consolation goals when Yomira Pinzon scored a penalty and Lineth Cedeno headed home late with France's intensity easing, but Vicki Becho capped the goal feast deep into stoppage time as France will await their round of 16 opponent with Group H in action on Thursday. ■
Brazil's Rafaelle (L) vies with Jamaica's Khadija Shaw (R) during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's Marta (C) gestures during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's starting players pose for photos before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Brazil's Adriana (2nd L) competes during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Jamaica's Khadija Shaw (front) competes during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's head coach Pia Sundhage (R) is seen before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Brazil's Marta (C) gestures during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Players of Jamaica react before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's Kathellen (front) vies for a header during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Jamaica's head coach Lorne Donaldson reacts before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Jamaica's head coach Lorne Donaldson reacts before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's Ary Borges (2nd R) reacts after missing a chance during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Jamaica's starting players pose for photos before the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's Kathellen (1st L) vies with Jamaica's Khadija Shaw (2nd L) during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Jamaica's Atlanta Primus (L) vies with Brazil's Kerolin during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Brazil's head coach Pia Sundhage is seen brfore the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Brazil's Antonia (L) vies with Jamaica's Jody Brown during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Brazil's Adriana (L) vies with Jamaica's Cheyna Matthews (C) during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Brazil's Marta gestures during the Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
