France

Chavas received the award for her outstanding performance during the victory over Germany 1-0 in the knockouts of the tournament.

In the match, Germany kicked three shots on target out of 12 attempts.

Chavas did extremely well to help her team qualify for the semifinal by saving the three on target attempts.

Chavas was speechless after the match but said she was proud to receive the award.

“I didn’t expect to be awarded the Player of the Match, I just did my job and I’m very happy.”

The reigning champions bowed out of the tournament after going down to France 1-0 in the last quarter final match.

Germany coach Maren Meinert said it was a challenging game she expected to see, although disappointing but she was proud of her players’ performance.

“Despite the loss my team played very well especially in the second half.

“But France scored a wonderful goal from a corner kick because of our weak backline.

“My girls are very upset for sure but one team has to lose and unfortunately it was Germany,” she said.

The last teams standing are Japan, Korea DPR, the United States and France.

Korea DPR was first to qualify after defeating Spain 3-2 in the first quarterfinal match.

Japan was the next to qualify, grabbing an easy win against Brazil 3-1 in the second quarterfinal.

USA defeated Mexico 2-1 in the third quarterfinal to secure their spot in the semifinal while reigning champions, Germany, lost their campaign to retain the Cup after a shocking loss to France 1-0 in the last quarterfinal match.

A stiff defence from France in the second half kept the favourites scoreless despite numerous attempts near France goalmouth.

France regrouped into defensive play with minimal attacks after seeing the need to defend their only point for victory.

French goalkeeper Mylene Chavas was too good for the German attackers, defending every ball her way and was named the Live Your Goal player of the match.

France now makes the final top four with Korea DPR, Japan and USA.

(Pictures by Troy Taule and Kennedy Bani)

Germany had several attempts in the opening minutes but failed to convert.

An opening shot from forward Jasmin Sehan hit the crossbar and went over.

Just then in the 16th minute, France swung in a corner kick that bounced off the head of a German player to find the boots of skipper Cascarino, just outside the 18 yards.

Cascarino powered a right footy through that got the crowd roaring for the unexpected goal.

German tried to make a comeback with several outside shots but couldn’t find the net as France leads 1-0 at half-time.

The two European teams will take the field at 7:30pm in what is expected to be a showdown at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

France will be hoping to make the top four once again like they did in the 2014 World Cup in Canada, while Germany is out to defend the Cup.

France coach Gilles Eyquem said earlier that the team is focused on a good defensive game as Germany is a very good team and usually, when they have an opportunity to score, they take it.

France coach Gilles Eyquem said, following the victory over New Zealand 2-0 in the last round of Group C matches that the team will need to work on its defense.

Eyquem said he was happy and very pleased with the performance of his players as they played a very good game against New Zealand but there are always some details to work.

“We have good players so we have good potential against the Germans however we still have some work to do on our defense as we have to be more compact.

They defeated New Zealand 2-0 today at the Bava Park, witnessed by 995 supporters.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger in the first half and Clara Mateo early in the second half.

Leger scored 17 minutes into the game.

The number 9 shot across 10 metres, out from the left of New Zealand goal keeper Nadia Olla, who was slow to stop the ball.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the game.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger 17 minutes into the game.

Leger shot across 10 metres out from the left of the opposition's goal keeper.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the first half.

An additional three minutes was given.

French failed to score following an attempt by Sakina Karchaoui at extra time.

Pictures by Kennedy Bani

The New Zealanders, in white, are led by Captain Meikayla Moore playing under fine weather conditions in front of a good crowd of supporters.

Isabella Coombers, who scored a goal in the previous game of this tournament, is also on the starting line-up while Tayla Christensen, who also scored in previous match, is on the bench.

The French side, in blue, is led by Captain Dephine Cascarino.

Cascarino scored for France in their previous games along with Clara Mateo, who is also on the starting line-up.