Women's World Cup - Group E and F Summary

Group E

In the early hours of Thursday morning, Brazil and Korea Republic advanced to the round of 16 after they recorded victories against Costa Rica and Spain respectively.

Brazil vs Costa Rica

Brazil went into their final fixture with the knowledge that top spot in Group E was already assured, thanks to victories against Spain and Korea Republic. With passage to the last 16 assured, head coach Oswaldo Fumeiro Alvarez took the decision of resting a number of key players for the clash with Costa Rica.

Despite dominating in both possession and shots on target, a changed Brazil side without top scorer Marta struggled to find a decisive effort on goal and the game’s only goal arrived with just seven minutes remaining. Raquel Fernandes raced on to a long ball from Andressa before her low shot found the bottom corner of the Costa Rica net.

Korea Republic vs Spain

Both sides went into the Group E clash knowing a victory would secure their passage into the last 16 and it was Spain who started the game brighter. The Spanish took the lead in the 29th minute after a cross from the left wing by Marta Corredera found its way to an unmarked Veronica Boquete and Spain’s skipper rifled home her shot from 8 yards to give her side the lead.

Eight minutes into the second half Korea equalised after Ji Soyun dispossessed Vicky Losada inside her own half before setting winger Kang Yumi down the right wing and her cross was met by the head of Cho Sohyun, whose close range effort sailed by the diving Ainhoa Tirapu.

With eight minutes remaining, substitute Kim Sooyun ensured the Asian side progressed to the round of 16 after her shot come cross from the right wing sailed over goalkeeper Boquetes head to give her side a 2-1 victory and condemn a well fancied Spanish side to last position in Group E.

Group F

France, England and Colombia booked their place to the next stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday night in Group F.

France vs. Mexico

After a shocking 2 - 0 loss to Colombia on Saturday, France got back to winning ways in their final game of the FIFA Women's World Cup group stages versus Mexico. France took the lead early with Marie Laure Delie scoring the second fastest goal in FIFA Women's World Cup history with 35 seconds marked on the clock.

Les Bleues captain Wendie Renard extended her sides lead as her shot deflected off Mexico's Ruliz into the net from Camille Abily’s corner on the 9th minute. Les Blues had a 4 - 0 lead at the break, as striker Eugenie Le Sommer secured a first half brace. Le Sommer's first goal came on the 13th minute through build-up play and her second was scored on the 36th minute as a result of a rebound.

Amandine Henry scored the final goal for France on the 80th minute from a solo effort. Henry blasted the ball from 25 yards into the top corner of the Mexican frame to secure a 5 - 0 victory and a first place finish in Group F for France.

England vs. Colombia

England progressed to the round of 16 on Wednesday night after a 2 - 1 victory versus Colombia. Karen Carney gave England an early lead on the 15th minute with a rebound shot coming from a Steph Houghton free kick. Fara Williams extended the Lionesses lead from the penalty spot ahead of the half time break.

A controversial penalty was called after the ball struck Colombia's Carolina Arias on the arm whilst sliding to try clear the danger. England dominated throughout, although the crowd and fans did get glimpses of the wonderful footwork of Lady Andrera of Colombia who scored a late consolation goal as she directed a half volley over the head of England's Karen Bardsley into the net on the 94th minute.

England progress to the round of 16 as Group F runners-up and Colombia progress as best third place finishers.