体坛英语新闻：Germany defeats France 4-2 at group A at FIFA Women's World Cup

BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Defending world champion and host Germany remains a clean sheet as they defeated France in an exciting match owing to a brace by striker Inka Grings to seal first position at the last match day of group A in front of 45,687 spectators on Tuesday.

At the other match Nigeria sealed the only victory of the tournament against Canada thank to the goal midfielder Perpetua Nkwocha five minutes before the final whistle.

Both sides started nervous into the match. Germany had problems with the effective defence work by France. At the 25th minute midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes opened the scoring by a header for the host. Only seven minutes later striker Inka Grings doubled the lead to stun the "Equipe Tricolor" before the break. After the break at the 56th minute French striker Marie Laure Delie headed home a corner after she was fielded eight minutes earlier.

Gaetane Thiney (R) of France competes during the third round Group A match between Germany and France at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 in Moenchengladbach, Germany, July 5, 2011. Germany won 4-2.

France's goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz invited Germany to extend the lead as Sapowicz fouled midfielder Fatmire Bajramaj inside penalty area to produce a penalty and to weaken her team due to the straight red card. German striker Inka Grings converted the penalty to extend the lead to 3-1 at the 68th minute. France remained unfazed and was able to shorten the score to 2-3 as defender Laura Georges headed home a corner. Finally Germany sealed the deal through midfielder Celia Okoyino da Mbabi one minute before the final whistle.

"We have very, very well played. That was soccer to me," German head coach Sylvia Neid said after the victory in Group A.

At the other match in group A Nigeria sees of with a victory over winless Canada due to a late goal by midfielder Perpetua Nkwocha. Consequently Nigeria and Canada are eliminated from competition whilst Germany faces Japan and England encounters France at quarterfinals.

Equatorial Guinea against Brazil and Australia versus Norway will fight for quarterfinals in the last match day of group D.