In the first game of the weekend, Sweden topped Group G and cruised into the knockout stages with a devastating 5-0 victory over Italy in Wellington. Zecira Musovic kept a clean sheet while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd played 75 minutes and set up Sweden’s third goal on the stroke of half-time.

Elsewhere, the top two in Group F locked horns as Brazil took on France with Brisbane the venue for this heavyweight clash. Eve Perisset began at right-back for Les Bleues who scored a late winner courtesy of Wendie Renard to help them overcome one of the tournament favourites with a 2-1 victory.

Scoring for fun

Under the lights in Wellington, both Sweden and Italy knew a win would secure their passage to the last 16. Musovic and Rytting Kaneryd were joined in the starting 11 by Magdalena Eriksson and Jonna Andersson meaning the Blues were well represented by players both past and present.

Three quickfire goals from Amanda Ilestedt, Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius blew away the Italians and saw Sweden take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break. Rytting Kaneryd was on hand to set up Blackstenius’ close-range finish, a second goal contribution of the tournament for the Blues winger.

It took just five minutes after the restart for Ilestedt to score her second of the game, both goals coming from expertly delivered corners from Andersson, and substitute Rebecka Blomqvist slotted home in stoppage time to book Sweden’s place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Renard rescue

A mouthwatering clash between two big hitters in the shape of Brazil and France took centre stage in Brisbane. Perisset earned a first start of the World Cup and operated in her familiar full-back role for the full 90 minutes, helping Les Bleues leapfrog their opponents into top spot in Group F.

It was a strong start to the match from France and Eugenie Le Sommer in particular, who opened the scoring with a superb guided header into the far corner on 17 minutes. They limited Brazil to one attempt on target in the first half, proving difficult to break down and holding a 1-0 lead at the break.

Just shy of the hour mark, the French defence was breached when Debinha controlled and finished from close-range to draw Brazil level. However, France would have the last laugh when Renard was left unmarked at the back post and headed home from a corner to seal three vital points for her country.

What’s next?

Sweden face Argentina in their final Group G fixture in Hamilton on Wednesday 2 August, with kick-off scheduled for 8am (UK time)

France take on Panama in their last Group F game in Sydney on the same day, with a slightly later kick-off set for 11am (UK time)