OTTAWA: Norway’s Maren Mjelde scored from a free-kick in the second half to secure a fortunate 1-1 draw against Germany in Thursday’s clash of former champions at the Women’s World Cup.

In other results, China scored the sole goal in stoppage time to beat the Netherlands, hosts Canada were held to a scoreless draw by New Zealand, and Thailand beat Ivory Coast to effectively eliminate the African team.

Germany’s Anja Mittag put the two-time champions ahead in the sixth minute, chipping past Ingrid Hjelmseth after the goalkeeper failed to control Dzsenifer Marozsan’s shot.

Mjelde equalised when she curled in a free-kick from just outside the penalty area in the 61st minute.

Germany could not find a second goal despite dominating the match, outshooting the Norwegians 27-4.

Both teams have four points from two games, and only a shock loss by Germany against Thailand in their last group game could prevent the two favourites from advancing to the knockout rounds.

China’s Wang Lisi scored in the first minute of stoppage time to lift the Asian power to a 1-0 win against the Netherlands.

Wang took a pass from midfield by Tan Ruyin in the penalty area and was able to tap the ball just inside the far post past Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenenedaal.

China dominated play, generating 26 shots, 10 on goal, compared to six shots, three on goal, for the Netherlands. China had the better of possession, with 59 per cent.

Both teams have three points from two games, a point behind Group ‘A’ leaders Canada. In the last round of group games, the Netherlands will take on Canada and China face New Zealand.

Canada were frustrated by New Zealand in a scoreless game that was interrupted by heavy storms and lightning and delayed for half an hour.

Canada had a couple of quality chances midway through the first half, but New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler turned aside attempts by Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair in the 22nd and 23rd minutes.

Meanwhile, Thailand kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage and all but eliminated Ivory Coast 3-2.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2015

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