The Swedes came into their final Group G match against Argentina in Hamilton full of confidence having already qualified for the knockout stage with consecutive victories. Peter Gerhardsson’s side only needed a point to secure top spot which would see them take on the United States in the last 16.

After their impressive victory over Brazil last time out, France arrived in Sydney to face Panama sitting top of Group F. Les Bleues, Brazil and Jamaica all had the chance of progressing to the last 16 in their final group fixtures.

Maximum points

Having won their opening two matches of the tournament, Sweden made wholesale changes to their starting line-up today. Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd began both the victories against South Africa and Italy, but the Blues duo were on the bench for this one.

Rebecka Blomqvist broke the deadlock for Sweden with a close-range header on 66 minutes before Rytting Kaneryd was introduced for the final quarter of an hour. The Swedes were awarded a late penalty which Elin Rubensson confidently dispatched as Sweden progressed with maximum points.

Goals galore

Panama took a shock lead against France inside two minutes after a superb free-kick from Marta Cox. Eve Perisset began at right-back and Les Bleues quickly regained control with goals from Maelle Lakrar and Lea Le Garrec coming either side of a Kadidiatou Diani brace to give them a 4-1 lead at the break.

Diani bagged her hat-trick from the penalty spot on 52 minutes to put France 5-1 ahead. Yomira Pinzon and Lineth Cedeno pulled two goals back for Panama to make it 5-3, before Perisset’s cross was turned home by Vicki Becho, adding a sixth for France who progressed as group winners in a nine-goal thriller.

What’s next?

Sweden will take on the United States in the last 16 with Melbourne the venue on Sunday 6 August, and kick-off scheduled for 10am (UK time).

France must wait until tomorrow (Thursday) to discover their last 16 opponents, and they will meet the runners-up of Group H in Adelaide on Tuesday 8 August, with kick-off set for midday (UK time).

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