France Demolishes Panama in a Stunning 6-3 Victory, Securing Top Spot in Group F and Advancing to Last 16 of the Women's World Cup
Kadidiatou Diani's superb hat-trick, featuring two successful penalties, propels France to a commanding 6-3 victory over Panama Securing top position in Group F, France advances effortlessly to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup
France secured top spot in Group F and a spot in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a convincing 6-3 victory over Panama. Kadidiatou Diani was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick that included two penalties. Despite conceding an early goal, France dominated the game, scoring an own goal from Deysire Salazar and goals from Lea Le Garrec and Vicki Becho. Impressive performances came from France, especially considering captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading scorer Eugenie Le Sommer were absent.
Marta Cox wrote her name in the history books as she netted Panama's maiden goal at the Women's World Cup. Within just one minute and seven seconds of the game, she executed a breathtaking 35-yard free-kick that elegantly curved into the top corner. Overwhelmed with emotions, Cox couldn't hold back tears as her teammates showered her with celebrations.
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Panama's Marta Cox scored her country's first World Cup goal with a stunning free kick
France put up an impressive response, with assistance from Panama's Salazar, who inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to clear Maelle Lakrar's header (21).
Seven minutes later, Diani notched her first goal and then successfully converted from the penalty spot (37) following a handball by Wendy Natis. In the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, Le Garrec further extended France's lead, making it 4-1.
On the other side of the break, Diani completed her hat-trick with another penalty, thanks to Natis handling the ball in the box again.
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Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick, which included two penalties
In the 64th minute, Yomira Pinzon scored a penalty to give Panama their second goal, much to the joy of the mostly impartial crowd of 40,498 at Sydney Football Stadium. Lineth Cedeno then scored a header in the 87th minute, following a VAR review for a potential offside, to narrow the gap. However, France quickly responded through Becho to secure the victory.
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What's next?
Despite their defeat, Panama celebrated each of their goals.As France topped Group F, they will face the runners-up of Group H. Germany currently occupy the spot, but could mathematically face any of the teams in the group.
They will find out after Thursday's slate of games, which kick off at 11am in Perth and Brisbane.
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What is the schedule?
The group stage is currently underway and will continue for two weeks, concluding on August 3. Teams that finish as group winners or runners-up will advance to the round of 16, which is scheduled to take place from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals, set to be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney, have been planned for August 11 and 12.
The first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15th, followed by the second semi-final at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16th. The final match will also take place at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 20th. Additionally, a third-place play-off will be held in Brisbane on August 19th, the day before the final.
