AUCKLAND (Reuters) – France are in a commanding position to reach the Women’s World Cup knockout round before they face Panama on Wednesday but Brazil’s hopes hang in the balance, with the South Americans needing a win over Jamaica to guarantee a last 16 spot.
Group F leaders France ignited their campaign with a 2-1 win over Brazil at the weekend after struggling to a goalless draw against Jamaica in their opener. They need only a point in Sydney to reach the knockouts for a fourth straight World Cup.
“We know it’s going to be tough, it’s not a friendly,” France coach Herve Renard said of Panama, who have already been eliminated and leaked five goals. “We need to be very focused.
“It is an opponent who will want to win for their country, their pride. We must take it seriously. The players will give 100% in order to top the group.”
France are locked on four points with Jamaica, who can advance with a win or draw against Brazil in Melbourne. Heavyweights Brazil last exited the World Cup in the group stage in 1995.
“Tomorrow’s a decider and we don’t want to go home,” said Brazil great Marta, playing at her sixth and final World Cup. “We are going to do our best to keep focused and confident”
The two teams qualifying from Group F will take on the top two finishers from Group H, which remains wide open with Colombia, Germany, Morocco and South Korea all in contention before Thursday’s final round.
In Group G, leaders Sweden are already into the knockout stage but will be eager to continue their winning run against Argentina in Hamilton.
Italy sit second, three points behind, and can advance with a win over South Africa in Wellington.
“We are confident, but also very humble,” Sweden defender Magdalena Eriksson said. “Tomorrow will be a tricky task, as we saw with Colombia beating Germany… It is now that the championship starts in earnest.”
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
