Football: Germany, France into quarter-finals

DUSSELDORF: European sides Germany and France booked the first two quarter-final spots in the women’s World Cup from Group A, eliminating Nigeria and Canada in contrasting fashion. France over-ran CONCACAF champions Canada 4-0 in Bochum to assure their first ever place in the final eight, before defending champions Germany spluttered to a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Frankfurt. A double from Gaetane Thiney and second-half goals from Camille Abily and Elodie Thomis gave France a maximum six points from two games to take top spot in the group.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2011.