Cup starts filling final 16

A shocking loss to Colombia last week must have awakened the French.

Thirdranked France clubbed Mexico on Wednesday in Ottawa, 50, to finish atop Group F with six points and advance to the final 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

“We made things difficult for ourselves by losing against Colombia,” admitted France coach Philippe Bergeroo of Saturday’s 20 defeat which was one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s 24year history. “A loss today would have sent us home. We’ve achieved our first objective, we can breath a bit easier now.”

France’s Marie Laure Delie scored after just 34 seconds in an early goal blitz that saw Eugenie Le Sommer net a double and an own goal by Mexican defender Jennifer Ruiz.

With 10 minutes to go, Amandine Henry scored a spectacular goal from 25 yards out.

France next meets South Korea, which eliminated Spain to finished second in Group E.

England 2, Colombia 1

Both teams will advance, with England locking up a secondplace finish in Group 5, losing a tiebreaker with France on goal differential, and Colombia nabbing a spot as one of the best thirdplace finishers with four points. The Mexican team, with just one point in group play, is on its way home.

England set up a meeting with 1995 champions Norway on Monday. Goals from Karen Carney ( 15) and a Fara Williams ( 38) penalty kick put England ahead before Lady Andrade scored four minutes into injury time.

Braziler 1, Costa Rica 0

Raquel Fernandes scored in the 83rd minute and Brazil eliminated Costa Rica. Brazil, which advanced without allowing a goal, will face Australia on Sunday.

South Korea 2, Spain 1

Sooyun Kim scored the winner in the 78th minute to cap South Korea’s comeback win.

Sonia Bermudez’s free kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time hit the crossbar and went over the net, ending the game and Spain’s ( 021) firstever World Cup appearance.