This was Panama’s first Women’s World Cup goal. They may never score a better one
Panama captain Marta Cox has scored a free kick for the ages just one minute into her nation’s Women’s World Cup clash with France.
Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick as France advanced to the knockout stage on Wednesday after a 6-3 win over Panama, but it was Cox’s effort after just 69 seconds which stole the show in Sydney.
The French needed only a draw to guarantee their place in the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive time, but the team was given an early scare when Cox whipped the ball into the top corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
France responded impressively to book the win despite Panama scoring two more goals before full-time.
The Sydney Football Stadium goalfest capped an eventful night which also featured Jamaica advancing to the round of 16 for the first time at the expense of Brazil and Italy suffering a shock loss to South Africa to bow out before the knockout stage.
After conceding 12 goals in their Women’s World Cup debut in 1999, Jamaica shut out France, Panama and Brazil in consecutive games to book an improbable place in the tournament’s knockout stage.
Brazil’s Marta, right, compete for controls the ball with Jamaica’s Tiernny Wiltshire during their 0-0 draw.Credit: AP
It’s the first time since 1995 that Brazil has failed to advance out of the group stage.
In addition to being ranked well below both Brazil and France, Jamaica progressed despite the financial struggles they faced before the tournament.
These difficulties resulted in Jamaica receiving support from fans through crowdfunding after inadequate support from their federation. Nearly $100,000 was raised for the team through two fundraisers.
After opening the tournament with a 4-0 victory over Panama, Brazil failed to get the win they needed. The loss ends the World Cup career of Marta, who made her tournament debut in 2003, and holds the record for most goals scored by a men’s or women’s player with 17.
Italians in tears after shock loss to South Africa
Italy’s players dropped to their knees, buried their faces and tearfully wondered how their tournament had suddenly ended following an upset to South Africa.
The 54th-ranked team in the world stunned Italy, ranked 16th by FIFA, with a 3-2 victory in Wednesday’s Group G finale. South Africa won with a stoppage-time goal by Thembi Kgatlana.
South Africa was ecstatic as players screamed and danced and said thankful prayers in the hallway leading to their locker room.
South African players celebrate after beating Italy to make the knockout stage.Credit: Getty Images
Italy’s problems against South Africa began before Wednesday night’s game: a brutal 4-0 loss to Sweden was perhaps too difficult to overcome, even with a spot in the round of 16 at stake.
It was Italy’s fourth Women’s World Cup, where it has twice made the quarterfinals, most recently in 2019.
Sweden to face USA after topping their group
Sweden will be refreshed and ready for Sunday’s tantalising tie against champions United States in the Women’s World Cup last 16, coach Peter Gerhardsson said after his second-string side reached the knockouts with a clinical win over Argentina.
Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist scores in her country’s win over Argentina.Credit: AP
Rebecka Blomqvist’s second-half header and substitute Elin Rubensson’s 90th-minute penalty earned the third-ranked Swedes a 2-0 victory at Waikato Stadium on Wednesday and powered them into the next round as Group G winners.
Sweden had already secured qualification after seeing off South Africa and hitting five past Italy, allowing Gerhardsson the luxury of resting key players including Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius and using his team’s strength in depth.
The Americans, pre-tournament favourites to win a third straight title, have been far from their scintillating best so far and scraped into the last 16 after a goalless draw with Portugal on Tuesday.
Sweden and the US will meet for the sixth World Cup in succession and the seventh time overall when they battle for a quarter-final spot in Melbourne.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sweden trounced the US 3-0 in the quarter-finals en route to the final and ended the Americans’ unbeaten run spanning 44 games over 30 months
AP, AAP
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