体坛英语新闻：England defeats Japan to seal Group B first position at FIFA Women's World Cup

BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- England striker Ellen White and midfielder Rachel Yankey stunned Japan 2-0 at the group favourites match to grab first position in Group B on Tuesday.

In the other match Mexico gave away a 2-0 lead at injury time against New Zealand so with both teams are eliminated from the tournament.

Group B leader Japan had problems against with the aggressive pressing by England so that they were unable to develop their short passing strategy. Consequently England took the lead with 15 minute into the match as Ellen White overlobbed Japan's goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori from 20 meters. Japan needed some time to recover and to rethink their strategy but England's well-positioned defence denied goal-scoring chances.

England remained clinical to seal the deal with the first opportunity in the second half at the 66th minute when midfielder Rachel Yankey netted the 2-0 lead from inside penalty area. Japan kept it bowling but remained ineffective in front of England's goal to suffer the first defeat at the third match. England wrapped first position with two victories and one draw.

In the other match of Group B, New Zealand flabbergasted Mexico when they turned a 0-2 deficit into 2-2 draw in four minutes during the injury time. Mexico striker Stephany opened the scoring with two minutes into the match followed by striker mate Maribel Dominguez in the 29th minute to double the lead.

The "All Whites" were able to shorten the lead in the 90th minute when defender Rebecca Smith nodded home a corner. New Zealand had an ace in the hole when striker Hannah Wilkinson slotted home the equalizer from goal area to stun Mexico second before the final whistle.