Spain takes the lead, USA beats Germany 4-1, and the insane Australia 6-5 Zambia
Spain has taken sole leadership of Group C, the same as Brazil, and has secured qualification for the quarter-finals. The current world champions had a commanding performance against Nigeria, but won only 1-0. The goal came in the 40th minute of the second half, by star Alexia Putellas. The number 11 took a free kick from the side and lobbed the goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, in a stunning play. The Spanish team has a total of six points, three more than Brazil and Japan.
Group B also confirmed the qualification of the United States, which achieved its second victory with a 4-1 thrashing of Germany. Sophia Smith was the standout for the team, scoring two goals. Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams added the other goals, while Giulia Gwinn scored for Germany. The USA has six points, compared to three for the Germans.
The other match in the group was insane: victory for Australia 6-5 against Zambia. The Zambians surprised everyone by leading 5-2 at the beginning of the second half, with three goals from captain Barbra Banda. The sensational Australian comeback featured four goals in the last half hour, with Michelle Heyman sealing the win in the 45th minute of the second half. Australia has its first three points, while Zambia remains with none.
Finally, in Group A, the host France lost to Canada, the current Olympic champion. The turnaround to 2-1 relied on a goal from Vanessa Gilles in the 57th minute of the second half. Meanwhile, Colombia secured its first points by defeating New Zealand 2-0, with goals from Leicy Santos and Marcela Restrepo. Canada has been penalized six points and remains at zero in the table, despite achieving two victories. Colombia and France each have three points, while New Zealand has none.