Germany seal Group D top spot

Germany topped Group D and set up a quarter-final clash with Brazil after recording a 5-2 victory over Uruguay in Lankaran. A brace from Sara Däbritz and further strikes by Rebecca Knaak, Ricarda Kiessling and Sharon Beck guided the Germans into the last eight, while Uruguay’s tournament came to an end with Yamila Badell’s double merely consolation. Uruguay had the first opportunity of the match after three minutes following a mistake by Germany midfielder Daria Streng. Badell took advantage and ran straight towards goal but could not beat Merle Frohms. The Germans worked their way back into the game, though, with Däbritz a key influence, and the No10 put her side in front on 14 minutes with a curling free-kick from the right-hand side which left the goalkeeper no chance. Having taken the lead, Germany continued to push forward and Theresa Panfil missed a chance to add a second, before their opponents struck back to level the score just minutes before the half-time whistle. Carolina Birizamberri could not find space in the Germany area to shoot so instead set up Badell, who this time coolly finished past Frohms to secure Uruguay’s first goal at the tournament. Determined to earn a victory which would give them top spot in their section, the Germans were strong for Uruguay in the second half and took a 2-1 lead within three minutes of the restart when Knaak’s shot slipped through Gabriela Gonzalez’s fingers. Däbritz added her second and Germany’s third before further goals from Kiessling and Beck ensured the three points. Badell doubled her tally for the match, and Uruguay’s for the tournament, with a late header. The quote \"This was the first match we have played with a good structure. The mistakes happened when the player lost their focus and maybe if we could have more focus, the differences between Germany and Uruguay would not be so big.\" Graciela Rebollo, Uruguay coach From : Fifa