WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SOCCER Recaps of Monday’s games

Rekick sends France to victory over Nigeria

Rennes, France

France completed World Cup group play with a 3-0 record for the first time, beating Nigeria 1-0 at Rennes.

France will play a third-place team on Sunday at Le Havre in the round of 16.

Referee Melissa Borjas of Honduras awarded a penalty kick when Ngozi Ebere knocked over Viviane Asseyi.

Wendie Renard’s initial attempt was wide to the right of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, but Borjas ordered the kick retaken because Nnadozie came off the line before the ball was kicked. Renard’s second try went in to Nnadozie’s right for her third goal of the tournament.

France advance to the knockout stage for the third straight World Cup.

Nigeria finished third in Group A with three points and a minus-two goal difference, and the Super Falcons will have to wait to find out whether they can advance as one of the four top third-place teams.

Norway knocks South Korea out of World Cup

REIMS, France

Norway knocked South Korea out of the Women’s World Cup by scoring on two penalties in a 2-1 victory.

Caroline Graham Hansen scored after five minutes and Isabell Herlovsen beat goalkeeper Kim Min-jung from the spot six minutes into the second half.

Yeo Min-ji converted in the 78th minute for South Korea.

Norway advanced to the round of 16 as runners up in Group A, which was won by host nation France.

Germany beats South Africa to win group

MONTPELLIER, France

Germany won its Women’s World Cup group for the fifth consecutive time and avoided an immediate matchup with the United States by routing South Africa 4-0.

Germany topped Group B with a 3-0 record and will play a third place team in its round of 16 match Saturday at Grenoble.

South Africa was winless in group play and outscored 8-1. At 49th, South Africa had the lowest ranking of the 24 teams in the tournament.

Melanie Leupolz opened the scoring in the 14th minute with her first goal for Germany since the 2016 Olympics. Sara Dabritz, Alexandra Popp and Lina Magull also scored.

Spain, China advance with scoreless draw

LE HAVRE, France

Spain and China played to a scoreless draw that advanced both squads to the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup.

Spain finished second in Group B behind Germany. Spain advanced to the knockout stage for the first time and will face the winner of Group F on Monday at Reims — likely the United States if the Americans win or draw in its final group match against Sweden.

China, which finished third in group play, has advanced to the knockout stage at each of its seven World Cup appearances. Both teams finished 1-1-1 in the group.

Associated Press