Kadidiatou Diani scores hat trick help France doubles up Panama 6-3 to reach Last 16 at Women’s World Cup
It was a polished recovery after Marta Cox's wonder strike on 67 seconds left the French reeling, swerving a freekick into the corner from 30 yards for her country's first-ever World Cup goal.
She spun away in celebration and was mobbed by teammates as the tears flowed at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.
But the euphoria was short-lived as France ran riot, with Diani scoring twice -- one a penalty -- and Maelle Lakrar and Lea Le Garrec adding a goal apiece before half-time.
The French only needed a draw to guarantee their place in the round of 16 for the fourth time in succession.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Diani got her third from the spot after the restart, but Panama refused to give up.
Yomira Pinzon added their second with a crisply-struck penalty and Lineth Cedeno scored again in an exciting finale, before Vicki Becho finished well to seal the game for France in injury time.
The win ensured France finished top of Group F to set up a knockout round clash with the second-placed team in Group H -- most likely Germany.
What's Next .?
France advanced to last round 16 after back-to-back wins against Brazil and Panama.
Jamaica held Brazil 0-0 in the other group game to finish second and face a showdown with the Group H winner, probably Colombia in Adelaide next Tuesday.
_________
afp, apnews
0 Comments