Prolific Germany surge through

Holders Germany will take on the United States in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup quarter-finals after a 6-0 victory against Switzerland, while France meet Korea DPR in the last-eight following a 1-0 defeat against the Americans.

Germany comfortable
Following their competition record 9-1 win against Mexico on Monday, a point would have done for Germany while the Swiss needed a seven-goal victory in St. Petersburg having lost both their previous Group C games. Switzerland made the worst possible start, however, falling a goal behind to Fatmire Bajramaj's strike within four minutes and from there onwards there was no coming back.

Goal rush
Simone Laudehr added Germany's second goal on 22 minutes, captain Célia Okoyino da Mbabi made it three just before the break, and then Bajramaj converted a 62nd-minute penalty for the fourth goal. After Switzerland's Sandy Maendly was sent off with eight minutes left for a second bookable offence, Nadine Kessler claimed Germany's fifth before Anna Blässe struck her fourth goal of the finals in added time, to move into the joint lead in the finals' scoring table.

Germany finish second
Despite their handsome victory, Germany must settle for second place behind Korea DPR, who defeated Mexico 4-0 in Moscow to keep up their perfect record. The Germans - who will be without the suspended Carolin Schiewe and Monique Kerschowski in the last eight - will now stay in St. Petersburg to face a Sunday fixture against the winners of Group D, the US, the only other previous champions having claimed the inaugural title in 2002.

France have the advantage
Jessica Rostedt's 61st-minute goal gave the US victory against France, who had only needed a draw to finish top of the pool. Argentina claimed third place thanks to a 4-0 win against Congo DR, but after losses to France and the US both teams were already out. The quarter-finals begin on Saturday with hosts Russia playing China in Moscow after the meeting of Brazil and Nigeria, who ended Finland's hopes yesterday.