US continue hot streak, France into quarters
1 August 2012 00:17
The United States made it three straight wins at the Olympic Games on Tuesday, beating North Korea 1-0.
A solitary strike from Abby Wambach on 25 minutes, her 141st goal for the United States in 185 appearances, was enough to consolidate top spot in Group G and advance to Friday's quarter-final.
France also booked their place into the quarter-finals after edging the winless Colombia 1-0.
Elodie Thomis' delightful chip over Sandra Sepulveda in the opening five minutes secured progress to the next round and they will now face Group F winners Sweden.
The Swedes scored two goals in two minutes through Marie Hammarstrom and Sofia Jakobsson but they were pegged back by a resilient Canadian outfit thanks to a brace from Melissa Tancedi.
Following the 2-2 draw Sweden finished level on points with Japan, who played out a goalless draw against South Africa, but edged their rivals on goal difference.
And in Group E, Great Britain leapfrogged Brazil into top spot courtesy of a 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.
Stephanie Houghton's second-minute strike separated the sides as the hosts ensured they went through the group stages with a perfect record.
New Zealand toppled Cameroon 3-1 at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Rebecca Smith put the New Zealanders ahead two minutes before the break and an own-goal from Ysis Sonkeng on 49 minutes doubled their advantage.
Sarah Gregorius put the result beyond doubt just after the hour mark, while Gabrielle Onguene netted a consolation goal with fifteen minutes remaining.
