Brazil reach knock-out stages at women's World Cup
Sunday 14 June 2015 08:53, UK
Brazil became the second team to qualify for the knock-out round of the Women's World Cup after beating Spain 1-0, but France suffered a shock defeat to Colombia.
Brazil joined defending champions Japan in the knockout stage after beating Spain 1-0 in Group E with striker Alessandro Alves getting the only goal of the game in the 44th minute following a defensive error.
Goals in either half from Lady Andrade and Catalina Usme gave Colombia an historic 2-0 win against France on Saturday in the first major upset of the tournament.
The French fell behind early when Andrade (19) picked up a pass from Yoreli Rincon and beat Sarah Bouhaddi in the France goal.
That strike boosted Las Cafeteras' confidence, and late in the game, with all the French team camped in the Colombian half pushing for an equaliser, second-half substitute Usme broke through to seal the win in added time.
"Disappointment is the only word for it," said France coach Philippe Bergeroo.
"Today Colombia really deserved their victory. We knew they were very good, but when you come up against an enthusiastic team like that it's difficult.
"And then the morale took a knock when we conceded the first goal."
Costa Rica snatched a last-gasp 2-2 draw against South Korea to keep their dreams of a place in the last 16 alive.
Melissa Herrera got Costa Rica off the mark before Ji So-Yun levelled with a 21st-minute penalty.
The Koreans went in front when Jeon Ga-Eul glanced home a header but Karla Villalobos got the equaliser in the final minute of the game to deny Korea an historic first World Cup win.
Costa Rica coach Amelia Valverde said: "We are the Cinderella of this tournament. We are showing that Costa Rican football, whether it is the men's or women's has something to show and is growing."
