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France and Jamaica reach last 16 as Brazil exit Women’s World Cup

03 Aug 2023 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

Kadidiatou Diani scored a hat-trick as France marched into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday in a 6-3 thriller against Panama. 
Les Bleues finished top of Group F ahead of Jamaica, who held Brazil to a goalless draw, denying talismanic striker Marta a fairytale ending to her World Cup career.
With only a point needed to qualify, France coach Herve Renard shuffled the deck, making five changes from the team that battled past Brazil on Saturday.
The win ensured France finished top of Group F to set up a knockout round clash with the second-placed team in Group H – most likely Germany.
In the group's other match, Jamaica strangled Brazil 0-0 to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.
It was heartbreak for the legendary Brazilian attacker Marta, who at age 37 had said this would be her last World Cup.
But it was joy for a Jamaica team who are yet to concede at the tournament and are into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.