Spain move level with Russia

For the fourth matchday in succession one European team won as another lost. Spain were the victors today, defeating the Korean Republic 2-1, while Russia were outplayed by the United States, who progress to the knockout stages.

Powerful header
Having been beaten 4-1 by Russia in their opening game, the European champions recovered to reignite their hopes of making the quarter-finals with a hard-fought success in Phuket. Spain took 19 minutes to open the scoring as centre-forward Jade powerfully headed in Natalia's corner. The goal spurred the Asian side, however, and they were well on top until Jade made it 2-0 with a fine sole effort in the 57th minute.

Reflex save
Jade had gone close to completing her hat-trick from range by the time the Koreans hauled themselves back into contention as Park Eun Sun drilled in a speculative free-kick in the 72nd minute. A reflex save from Spain goalkeeper Lucia late on ensured her side took the three points and they can now look forward with confidence renewed to Thursday's game against the Americans.

Historic goal
Russia are the favourites to finish second behind the US, however, as they will play the Korean Republic in their final outing. If they are to do that, Valentin Grishin's side will put today's heavy loss behind them. Things started badly for the Russians as Jessica Rostedt was felled in the area after 40 seconds and Angie Woznuk stroked in the resulting penalty - the fastest goal in the history of this competition.

Clever finish
Tall striker Rostedt made it 2-0 in the 25th minute and the scores remained that way until just after the restart when Ekaterina Sochneva cleverly controlled and turned in Elena Terekhova's ball. The goal proved a temporary aberration, though, and the US wrapped up the points with further goals from Rostedt on the hour and Megan Rapinoe three minutes later.