Russia progress despite defeat

Korean win
Both Russia and Spain knew draws in their respective games would take them through. The former had the edge following their 4-1 opening-day victory against Spain, but fell behind in Bangkok to Asian champions Korea 21 minutes in when Jang-Mi Lee headed home. Hee-Young Park doubled the lead in the 55th minute after being sent clear by Eun-Sun Park, but dominant Korea knew they needed a three-goal win to have any chance of progress and despite six minutes of added time could not increase their tally.

Mixed feelings
"I am pleased with the performance, but not the result," said Russia coach Valentin Grishin. "We created many chances, but failed to score. This cannot continue."

Rostedt goal
Whether Russia would qualify as runners-up depended on how Spain fared against the holders in Phuket. The Spanish withstood some early pressure and seemed to be heading to half-time on level terms when Jessica Rostedt scored a minute before the interval with a tidy finish after an attack down the American left.

Spain out
Spain pressed hard in the second half to maintain their campaign, well aware a defeat would spell elimination despite having won their second game against Korea. But although they carved out several chances, Ignacio Quereda's hard-working team could not match their heroics of August when they shocked Germany to lift the European crown. Although they finished level with Russia and Korea on three points, Grishin's side took second place.

Quarter-final lineup
Korea's second goal left Spain bottom on goal difference, but the Asian nation are also out as the two other third-place teams, Australia and Nigeria, have better records. Russia meet Group B victors Brazil in their quarter-final on Sunday in Suphachalasai, while Germany - who topped Group A with a tournament-leading 13 goals - play Nigeria, fresh from eliminating Italy in dramatic circumstances, in Chiang Mai. Later that evening the US take on Australia, and Canada encounter China.