Women's World Cup Update.

The 2011 Women's World Cup sixth day ended with Germany, France and Japan advancing to the next round.

Host nation Germany booked their place with a less than convincing 1-0 win over Nigeria.  Despite the rabid home crowd, a 54th minute goal from Simone Laudehr proved to be the difference in a tough and very physical encounter.

The German's last game will be against a red-hot French team that pumped 4 goals past Canada to take the lead spot in Group A, thanks to a superior goal difference.  Germany's best chance at defending their title would be take all 3 points against France, otherwise they may end up playing an in-form Japanese team that routed Mexico 4-0 on Friday afternoon.

The United States got off to a good start with a 2-0 win over a tough but very young North Korean squad.  Both teams played some good attacking football in the first half, with the Koreans looking more like the team that would score before halftime.  In the second half, the U.S. took control of the game, and the veteran squad was able to outlast their younger opponents.

Japan may be the "surprise" team this tournament

Sweden managed a 1-0 win against a Colombia team that had a player suspended for a failed drugs test.  By the time the Swedes scored, it was pretty much long overdue, as they created enough chances to score 7 or more goals.  Sweden and the U.S. look to be on a collision course for a "top of the table encounter", should they get past North Korea and Colombia respectively.

While the two best teams in other groups don't face each other until the last game, Brazil and Norway seem to have drawn the short straw.  For what it's worth, this looks like the best fixture of the weekend in this tournament.  Both won their opening games by a 1-0 score, but a lot more will be expected from these two title contenders.

There have been a total of 25 goals scored so far, the best of which - in my opinion - was scored by Mexico's Monica Ocampo in their 1-1 draw against England in the group opener.  Monica Ocampo, take a bow!!  You have set the bar for this tournament.