Groups C & D - Recaps

After dealing with some weather issues, the final round of play took place in Groups C & D Thursday ... or was it Wednesday (days are starting to blend together in this Group stage). Anyway, the quarterfinals are set as well. First, the final group stage recaps:

Group C - Norway v Ghana
Norway geared it up after two tight matches. Ghana simply playing for pride, got their first two goal of the tournament. Gulbrandsen took the goal scoring lead for the tournament with a hat trick - now at 5 scored.
Norway 7 Ghana 2
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248549/match=56321/index.html

Group C - Australia v Canada
What an entertaining match! Canada, needing the win, came out fast and took an early lead. Australia knotted the match at 1 and then Canada kept coming forward, finally getting the go ahead goal with 5 minutes left through Christine Sinclair's header. It looked like they had a place in the quarterfinals secured. Then, Matildas captain, Cheryl Salisbury watched as super sub Lisa de Vanna twisted and turned in the box and then slid a pass her way. Salisbury did not miss and the Matildas were through to the quarterfinals. Great match ... unless you're from Canada.
Australia 2 Canada 2
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248549/match=56320/index.html

Group D - China v New Zealand

New Zealand put forth a great effort to try and hold off China but utimately the hosts prevailed. China advances to the knockout stage in less than convincing fashion but at this point, I'm sure the home supporters were happy to see a win against any competition.
China 2 New Zealand 0
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248549/match=56327/index.html

Group D - Brazil v Denmark

Denmark played Brazil to a draw over 90 minutes but Brazil put in a 91st minute winner to make it a clean sweep - 10 goals scored, none conceeded. Denmark had to feel that Chinese 88th minute winner in the first match sealed their fate and kept them from a place in the knockout stage.
Brazil 1 Denmark 0
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248549/match=56326/index.html