Holders DPRK reach last eight of U20 Women's World Cup

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England and the DPRK moved through from Group B into the final eight of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on Sunday when hosts France scored a 4-0 victory to secure their Group A top place.

England trailed against Mexico into halftime as a result of Jacqueline Ovalle's fourth goal of the campaign but fully displayed their firepower after the restart with six unanswered goals.

Alessia Russo leveled the score four minutes into the second half, followed by Lauren Hemp's hat-trick and goals from Chloe Kelly and Georgia Stanway completed a 6-1 triumph.

England players celebrate after Alessia Russo scores a goal during the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Group B match against Mexico on August 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Title holders DPRK bounced back from their opening match loss with two subsequent consecutive wins.

They scored a goal at the end of each half to beat Brazil 2-1 in final round action of the group stage, securing their position in the quarterfinals and reigniting hope of becoming the first side to defend the tournament's title. The South American side once drew level midway through the second half through Geyse Ferreira's score.

England top Group B with two wins and one draw, followed by DPRK on six points.

France players celebrate after the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup group A match between Netherlands and France on August 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Although a draw with the Netherlands, who already advanced, could have effectively sealed France's position in the last eight, the hosts still pressed forward hard throughout the match, securing a three-goal advantage on Amelie Delabre's hat-trick in the first half. Emelyne Laurent also found the net for France in the 72nd minute.

With the crush, France moved past the Netherlands to sit atop Group A, and are set to put on a revenge clash against DPRK, who won last edition's final between the duo 3-1 for their second title.

The Netherlands will take on Group B leaders England.

Ruth Anima's goal in the 75th minute handed Ghana a 1-0 narrow win against New Zealand.

Group C and D will have four more teams come out. As Germany have secured one berth, the other spot will be up for grabs between China and Nigeria in their Group D head-to-head on Monday. Nigeria are second ahead of China with a superior goal difference.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency