Women's World Cup wrap: Day 14 - USA maintain flawless record as Chile win not enough

Holders the United States beat Sweden 2-0 on Friday (AEST) to maintain their perfect record at the Women's World Cup and top Group F, While Francisca Lara's late penalty miss saw Chile eliminated.

Source: Getty Images

Lindsey Horan netted the tournament's fastest goal after three minutes and Jonna Andersson scored an own goal as the USA beat the record for most goals (18) in the women's World Cup group stage.

The USA defied pre-game chatter that they would lose the match to avoid a potential quarter final clash with host France, racing out of the blocks against their fierce rivals Sweden. 

Megan Rapinoe delivered a corner into the penalty box which found Samantha Mewis who back-heeled the ball into the path of Horan to slam the ball home.

It was the start of a relentless attack from the Americans who delivered a barrage of crosses to test Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl.

After 50 minutes USA scored a second after some brilliant dribbiling from Tobin Heath created space before firing into the net with the aid of a slight deflection.

Sweden attempted to muscle their way back into the game late but their efforts proved fruitless.

However, it was not all bad news for the Scandinavian side who will take on Canada in the round of 16 after finishing second in Group F. 

In other action, Chile bowed out despite a 2-0 win over Thailand.

Needing victory by three goals to advance from Group F as one of the four best third-placed teams, La Roja led through Waraporn Boonsing's own goal and Maria Jose Urrutia's header.

Goalkeeper Boonsing then fouled the Chile striker in the box, but Lara's 86th-minute spot-kick thudded against the crossbar as the World Cup debutants were dumped out, with several players in tears at the final whistle.

The result meant Nigeria – who finished third in Group A – moved into the knockout rounds, where they will be joined by Cameroon, dramatic 2-1 victors over New Zealand in Group E.

Ajara Nchout's opener was cancelled out by Aurelle Awona's desperate own goal, but Nchout secured a last-16 berth with a fine finish in the 95th minute.

The other match in Group E saw Netherlands secure top spot as Anouk Dekker and Lineth Beerensteyn netted either side of Christine Sinclair's leveller to seal a 2-1 win over Canada.

The misfortunes of Awona, Andersson and Boonsing on Friday mean that own goals top the World Cup scoring charts after the group stage, three clear of USA's Alex Morgan and Australia's Sam Kerr.