Thursday 20 June 2019, 14:21

Dutch, USA on top as African duo advance

  • Cameroon and Nigeria qualify on a dramatic final day of group phase action

  • USA and the Netherlands top their groups with wins over Sweden and Canada

  • Reaction and more: #NEDCAN, #CMRNZL, #SWEUSA and #THACHI Live Blogs

The group stage is over at France 2019 and the last-16 picture is complete. The Netherlands and USA have advanced as winners of Groups E and F and will play Japan and Spain in Rennes and Reims, respectively.

This was also a day to remember for African women's football as Cameroon and Nigeria made it through, the former with a 95th-minute Ajara Nchout winner. Chile, meanwhile, came within a missed penalty of pipping the Nigerians to a spot - but did at least cap their FIFA Women's World Cup™ debut with a historic first win.

For a full list of the Round of 16 fixtures, click HERE.

Netherlands 2-1 Canada

Team Reporter analysis

Emma Coolen (NED) This was a sweet ending to the group stage for the Oranjeleeuwinnen. The Dutch, once again buoyed by thousands of supporters who made the journey over to France, definitely played their best football of the tournament so far. This victory leaves them with nine points from a possible nine in the group phase, so confidence is sky-high as they approach the Round of 16.

Mona Yeganegi (CAN) Canada needed a win to top the group, and began the game with confidence. But the Netherlands showed just why they are European champions. The Canadian midfield found it extremely tough to push through the Dutch defensive lines, and simply retaining possession was a challenge at times.

Cameroon 2-1 New Zealand

Cynthia Nzetia (CMR) There is a saying in Cameroon: 'Impossible is not Cameroonian'. Today, the Indomitable Lionesses proved that by snatching qualification from the jaws of seemingly certain elimination. Ajara Nchout was the player who made the difference, with her second goal - taken so coolly and skilfully as the final seconds ticked down - a moment to savour.

Brendan Bradford (NZL) This was a disappointing end for a New Zealand side that had harboured legitimate hopes of earning a debut World Cup win and progressing to the second round. If there’s a positive to take out of this tournament, it’s the wealth of quality young talent coming through the ranks. Indeed, if promising youngsters Meikayla Moore and CJ Bott hadn’t picked up serious injuries in the opening two games, things could have been so different.​

Sweden 0-2 USA

Alexandra Jonson (SWE) Today was supposed to be the big test for Sweden, but Gerhardsson's rotating of his squad leaves it tough to assess how ready they are for the knockout phase. Veteran Linda Sembrant put in a strong performance in defence, but two early goals in each half made it difficult for the Swedes, who just couldn’t keep up with the USA. But they will be excited to face Canada in a match that is sure to show what this team really is made of.

Erin Fish (USA) A highly anticipated match between rivals USA and Sweden proved to be the perfect test for the holders as they enter the knockout rounds. The Americans dominated possession and were worthy winners. But Sweden provided a level of physicality and pressure that the US had not faced in their previous matches, and which will prepare them well for the challenges to come.

Thailand 0-2 Chile

Piyapat Saropala (THA) Even though they knew it would be impossible for them to reach the last 16, Thailand showed real spirit and never gave up until the final whistle. Unfortunately, two individual mistakes in the second half led to another defeat. The team also head for home with an unwanted record for having conceded more goals in the Women's World Cup group stage than anyone before them.

Cecilia Lagos (CHI) The final analysis for La Roja Femenina goes beyond the victory in this match. Three years ago the Chilean women’s national team had disappeared from the FIFA ranking. Today they’ve been eliminated but have gone down with a real fight, claiming the first Women’s World Cup win of their history. This has been their breakthrough and their future is bright. Chile will be back.​

Next up

22 June

Germany-Nigeria: Round of 16, Grenoble, 17:30 Norway-Australia: Round of 16, Nice, 21:00

Tickets

Fans interested in attending the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 can still purchase tickets for the tournament via www.fifa.com/tickets, as well as via ticket booths located at stadia for remaining matches still available to the general public.

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