A late goal from Perpetua Nkwocha gave Nigeria their first win of the 2011 World Cup over Canada today by a score of 1-0. It was Nigeria's first World Cup win since 1999 when they defeated Denmark in the Group Stage. Defense proved to be their calling card this time as they allowed just 2 goals in their 3 matches. Canada meanwhile was shutout for the 2nd time in 3 games and failed to earn a point at the World Cup for the first time in 5 tries. The 35 year old Nkwocha, who plays professionally for Swedish club Sunnanå SK, now has 41 international goals.
GERMANY 4 FRANCE 2
The host nation continued their run through Group Play with a 4-2 win over formerly unbeaten France to clinch first place in Group A. Germany got first half goals from 31 year old Kerstin Garefrekes and 32 year old Inka Grings to take a 2-0 lead into the intermission. The French battled back on a goal from Marie-Laure Delie's 2nd goal of the tournament, but any hope they had of coming back was lost when goalie Berangere Sapowicz was sent off for a takedown of Fatmire Bajramaj. Grings converted the ensuing penalty for her 64th international goal to make it 3-1, but still France would not lie down. Laura Georges scored just her 3rd international goal in 101 appearances to make it 3-2, but eventually the French would run out of gas. Celia Okoyino da Mbabi scored her second goal of the tourney in the 89th minute to clinch it for the Germans. Germany will now take on Japan in the quarterfinals while France must prepare for Group B winner England.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS
LEADING SCORER
Inka Grings - Germany - 2 goals (pictured below)
Celia Okoyino da Mbabi - Germany - 2 goals
Kerstin Garefrekes - Germany - 2 goals
Marie-Laure Delie - France - 2 goals
Celia Okoyino da Mbabi - Germany - 2 goals
Kerstin Garefrekes - Germany - 2 goals
Marie-Laure Delie - France - 2 goals
Gaëtane Thiney - France - 2 goals
Photo Courtesy:dhaka.diplo.de
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