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Last-16 berths up for grabs after Lloyd clears path for holders USA
PARIS, June 17, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – China are among the sides hoping to clinch
a place in the last 16 of the women’s World Cup on Monday after seeing
veteran Carli Lloyd inspire the United States to a 3-0 win over Chile in
Paris that cleared the holders’ passage to the knockout phase.
Eight places in the last 16 are still up for grabs heading into the final
round of group matches, and former runners-up China meet Spain in Le Havre at
1600 GMT with the two teams still hoping to progress from Group B.
Both have beaten tournament debutants South Africa and lost to former
champions Germany, and a draw at the Stade Oceane would be enough for each to
progress, bearing in mind the four best third-placed teams all go through.
“We want to be in the last 16 and we want to do it by beating China. We are
not wasting any time thinking about what could happen other than what we have
to do,” said Spain coach Jorge Vilda.
Already through, Germany need only a point against South Africa in
Montpellier to secure top spot in the group and thereby avoid any prospect of
meeting the USA in the last 16.
Meanwhile, France coach Corinne Diacre is expected to change up her
starting XI with the hosts already through ahead of their meeting with
Nigeria in Rennes (1900 GMT).
France won 8-0 the last time they faced Nigeria, but the Super Falcons are
hoping for a different outcome this time as they target making it out of
their group at a World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
“I hope that you will see another Nigeria. Hopefully we can give them a
really tough game and have a point when we leave the stadium,” said Nigeria’s
Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby.
At the same time, 1995 champions Norway will be aiming to secure their
place in the last 16 when they face pointless South Korea in Reims.
– Record for Lloyd –
On Sunday, Lloyd became the first player to score in six consecutive
women’s World Cup matches as the USA defeated Chile and joined Sweden in
qualifying from Group F with a game to spare.
That the USA’s winning margin was nowhere near their record-breaking 13-0
hammering of Thailand was largely down to the heroics of Chile’s brilliant
goalkeeper Christiane Endler, but it was still a one-sided victory for the
holders in Paris.
Lloyd came into the line-up as one of seven changes to the US side and she
netted twice in the first half either side of a Julie Ertz goal. She also
later missed a penalty.
“This is the best version of me in my career. Whether you put me up top or
in the midfield, I can do it,” said 36-year-old Lloyd, whose goals saw her
overtake the mark of Birgit Prinz, the German who netted in five consecutive
matches at the 2003 World Cup.
“I think the important thing for us is that players are ready to do any
role and the fact she has now scored three goals is awesome,” said coach Jill
Elis, who has already given minutes to all the outfield players in her squad
over the two matches so far.
“She was fantastic, ready, energised. I don’t think she could be in a
better spot.”
– ‘World class’ –
After going 3-0 up, the USA were denied time and time again in the second
half by Endler, who Ellis called “world class” and “one of the best shot-
stoppers I have ever seen”.
The USA need a point from their last game against Sweden to secure top
spot, after the Swedes beat Thailand 5-1 in Nice.
Linda Sembrant, Kosovare Asllani, Fridolina Rolfo and Lina Hurtig scored
for them before Elin Rubensson netted a late penalty.
Just before that, Thailand pulled one back through Kanjana Sung-Ngoen,
leading to emotional celebrations for a side who had been so humiliated by
the United States.
“This one goal made us laugh, made us smile and makes us happy,” said
Thailand coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0818 hrs