Kadidiatou Diani (top) of France celebrates scoring during their Group F match against Panama at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sydney, Australia on Aug. 2, 2023. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)
France and Jamaica progressed to the last 16, while South Africa stunned Italy at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
SYDNEY, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- France beat Panama 6-3 to reach the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup, while a goalless draw was enough for Jamaica to eliminate Brazil on Wednesday.
In Group G, South Africa beat Italy in a 3-2 thriller and Sweden had a comfortable 2-0 victory over Argentina.
Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick in Sydney as fifth ranked France finished top of Group F with seven points.
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.
France regrouped superbly with Diani scoring twice as they powered into half-time with an almost unassailable 4-1 lead.
Vicki Becho of France celebrates scoring during the match. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)
Diani completed her hat-trick with a penalty kick shortly after the interval before France took the foot off the pedal.
Panama received consolation goals when Yomira Pinzon scored a penalty and Lineth Cedeno headed home late, but the result was never in doubt.
With the draw they needed against Brazil in Melbourne, Jamaica progressed into the round of 16 for the first time.
Playing with trademark defensive might, Jamaica continually frustrated Brazil who struggled to create clear opportunities despite legendary striker Marta Vieira da Silva being recalled into the starting line-up.
Players of Jamaica celebrate after their Group F match against Brazil in Melbourne, Australia on Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
It was a disappointing exit for Brazil, who finished with four points as a first World Cup title remains elusive.
Earlier, in a dramatic finish in Wellington, Thembi Kgatlana scored the winner in the 92nd minute to eliminate Italy, who finished one point behind second-placed South Africa in Group G.
South Africa will play 2019 runner-up Netherlands in the round of 16.
"This is just amazing. I thought they were incredible," South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said.
"I said we were going to fight for every ball. We said we're not going to give up and they were absolutely magnificent."
Arianna Caruso scored both of Italy's goals and appeared to have secured the draw they needed to progress with an equaliser in the 74th minute before Kgatlana's heroics in stoppage time.
Italy, ranked 38 spots higher than South Africa, was left in tears by their early exit.
Cristiana Girelli of Italy reacts after their Group G match against South Africa in Wellington, New Zealand on Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
"I don't think I can find the right words in this moment," Caruso said. "I am not happy because we scored two goals and we didn't do anything."
Third-ranked Sweden topped the group after a 2-0 victory over Argentina in Hamilton to book a blockbuster round of 16 clash with titleholder the United States on Sunday in Melbourne.
"The U.S. are ranked number one. It might be better to play them on Sunday than in the semis or final," said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson.
"From a psychological perspective we know we can beat them. I think the players are convinced they can definitely win on Sunday and I believe that too."
Camila Gomez Ares (R) of Argentina vies with Elin Rubensson of Sweden during their Group G match in Hamilton, New Zealand on Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
With Sweden's spot already assured, they made nine changes against Argentina but still dominated and hit the scoreboard through a Rebecka Blomqvist header in the 66th minute and a late Elin Rubensson penalty.
Sweden joined Japan and England as the only teams to have won all three games so far in the tournament.
The group stages conclude on Thursday when Colombia plays Morocco and Germany faces South Korea to determine Group H placings. ■
