A sublime Japan and a fortunate England both qualified for the quarterfinals of the under-17 women's football World Cup with contrasting wins today while a second defeat left Brazil perilously close to exiting.
Japan lit up Hamilton's Waikato Stadium with a sensational 7-1 victory over France, with Chinatsu Kira's eight minute hat-trick leading the way.
In a pulsating group C match, Yuiko Inoue gave Japan the lead after 11 minutes but France were level through Marine Augis five minutes later.
From then on it was one-way traffic, however, as Natsuike Kishikawa, Kira (three) and Chiake Shimada all chimed in with first half goals, before Kishikawa grabbed a second in the second half to complete France's misery.
The loss leaves France to slug it out with pre-tournament favourites USA for a place in the last eight after the Americans bounced back from an opening defeat to Japan to beat Paraguay 3-1.
Rebeca Fernandez gave Paraguay a surprise lead midway through the first half but, facing elimination, the Americans responded with goals to Vicki DiMartino, Courtney Verloo and an own goal off the thigh of Cris Mabuel Flores.
In Wellington, England's 1-0 win over Nigeria also earned them a place in the knockout stages but they may feel somewhat relieved to come away with any points at all after the Africans dominated from start to finish.
Nigeria clocked up 20 shots to England's two, and enjoyed twice as much possession but ultimately Jessica Holbrook's late strike put England ahead in the only statistic that matters.
Meanwhile, Brazil are staring at elimination following a 1-2 defeat to Korea Republic that leaves them bottom of group D without a point.
Lee Min-Sun tip-toed through the Brazil defence to break the deadlock two minutes into the second spell, and Lee Hyun-Young matched Shin Mi-Na's inch-perfect long-ball with a exquisite timed run before skipping past the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Raquel grabbed a consolation fro Brazil, who must now beat Nigeria by at least two goals -- and hope England beat Korea Republic -- to have any chance of progressing.
The tournament resumes on Tuesday with Ghana and Korea DPR aiming to join Germany as Group B quarterfinalists.
Ghana need to beat an already eliminated Costa Rica in Wellington to catch the Koreans, who only need a point against Germany in Hamilton to confirm their place in the playoffs.
Also in Hamilton, group A leaders Denmark and Canada clash for one quarterfinal spot, with the loser hoping New Zealand can deny third placed Colombia victory in Wellington.
