FIFA Women’s World Cup, France advances to knockout stage after 6-3 win over Panama

Sydney: Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat trick as France advanced to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday after a 6-3 win over Panama.

The world’s No. 5-ranked team recovered from the shock of going behind to Marta Cox’s 30-yard (meter) free kick after two minutes at Sydney Football Stadium to finish atop Group D. Jamaica placed second in the group after a 0-0 draw with



Brazil.

France, which had also been held to a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in its opening game, advanced after back-to-back wins against Brazil and Panama.

The French only needed a draw to guarantee their place in the round of 16 for the fourth time in succession. But France was given an early scare when Cox whipped the ball into the top corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.