Winnipeg, Canada---Germany and Norway advanced with wins to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday as a draw was enough to see hosts Canada and China through.
Favourites Germany beat Thailand 4-0 to progress as Group B leaders ahead of Norway who secured their berth by beating Ivory Coast 3-1.
Canada were held 1-1 by the Netherlands but it was enough to top Group A ahead of China who were held 2-2 in their fiery do-or-die clash against New Zealand.
The four join champions Japan and Brazil, the 2007 runners-up, who are already through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Germany came up against stiff resistance from the 29th-ranked Asians in Winnipeg, before Melanie Leupolz broke through after 24 minutes.
And two quick-fire headers from second-half substitute Lena Petermann on 56 and 58 minutes got the world's top ranked team into their stride.
The damage could have been worse but for solid goalkeeping from Thailand's Waraporn Boonsing before Sara Daebritz got a fourth for the 2003 and 2007 winners on 73 minutes.
"It wasn't our best match but it gives us a bit more self confidence," said Germany's Leupolz.
Germany have seven points from three games, equal with Norway, but ahead on goal difference largely thanks to their 10-0 hammering of Ivory Coast in their opener.
Thailand, in third with three points, could still advance as one of the four best third-place finishers, but fellow newcomers Ivory Coast head home after three loses with three goals scored to 16 conceded.
Germany next play the best third-placed finisher from Group A, C, or D in Ottawa on Saturday, as Norway play the second-placed finisher from Group F, which includes France, England, Colombia and Mexico, next Monday.
"We still have a chance to go through to the next round. We have some hope," said Thailand coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien.
-- Canada on a roll --
In Moncton, an Ada Hegerberg double on six and 62 minutes, and a third from Solveig Gulbrandsen on 67 gave 1995 winners Norway all three points against Ivory Coast.
Ange N'Guessan got one back for the 67th-ranked Ivory Coast after 71 minutes.
Canada were held 1-1 by the Netherlands in Montreal after Ashley Lawrence's early goal was cancelled out by a Kirsten Van De Ven equaliser three minutes from time.
The hosts have five points from three games and as Group A winners next meet the best third-place finisher from Group C, D, or E in Vancouver on Sunday.
AFP
