A pair of reasonably routine victories for the top two seeds in Group E saw them both reach the round of 16, increasing the number of teams confirmed in the FIFA Women's World Cup™ knockout stages to six. A brace from the magnificent Vivianne Miedema in a 3-1 win over Cameroon saw the Netherlands through to the next stage, securing her place in Dutch footballing history in the process by becoming her nation's all-time leading markswoman with 60 goals at the age of just 22.

The 2015 hosts secured their spot in the round of 16 for the first time in a Women's World Cup hosted outside of North America, thanks to a straightforward victory 2-0 against New Zealand. The Football Ferns will now face off against the African side in the final round of group games in an attempt to finish as one of the best third-placed sides and progress to the next stage.

Emma Coolen (NED) In a match that was sloppy from both sides, the Dutch brought the intensity, but not the focus to the pitch that was needed to really give a physically strong and tough Cameroon side a difficult day. In the end, individual skill from Dominique Bloodworth and Vivianne Miedema secured a win and a place in the last 16 for the Orange Lionesses. But talking points will be plenty in ‘Camp Oranje’ going forward in the tournament. Hopefully, the upcoming game against Canada, where there will be no pressure to get a result, will give the Dutch an opportunity to play freely and get back in the swing of things.

Cynthia Nzetia (CMR) Second match, second defeat for the Indomitable Lionesses. They imposed a physical battle on the Dutch, which they paid for at the end of the match. The Cameroonians showed much more than they did against Canada, but it was not enough to win the match.​ Their final game against New Zealand is now a direct battle for third place, with Cameroon needing a win to stand any real chance of progressing past the group stage as one of the best third-placed sides.

Mona Yeganegi (CAN) Team Canada began with yet another defensive formation, anticipating the danger of counter attacks. Despite much possession in the first half, Canada found it difficult to capitalize on several chances, thanks to New Zealand’s impenetrable defence. However, with the Canadian goal at the start of the second half, the momentum shifted. The New Zealand backline opened up a bit more and Canada felt even more comfortable pushing forward, resulting in them doubling their advantage, securing their place in the last 16 with another clean sheet to boot. It's the first time Canada has won back-to-back victories in their opening games of a World Cup.

Brendan Bradford (NZL) It’s safe to say that absolutely nothing went right for the Football Ferns against Canada tonight. Influential defender CJ Bott’s early injury was the first blow as the side struggled to maintain possession and create anything in attack. They held out well for the first half, but came undone by the pace of Nichelle Prince, who set up Jessie Fleming for the opener. Prince then poached one of her own with 11 minutes to play. With two losses, two key injuries and a -3 goal difference, it will be an uphill battle making the second round, with a win over Cameroon a necessity on Thursday.

Sweden-Thailand: Group F, Nice, 15:00 USA-Chile: Group F, Paris, 18:00

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