Russia show steel to progress

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup hosts Russia are through to the quarter-finals but they were made to work for a 1-1 draw by Australia, while Finland's campaign was ended by Nigeria.

Russian relief
In torrential conditions the Young Matildas knew they needed victory to pip the 2005 European Under-19 champions to the last eight. But although Russia were put under pressure they took the lead with 15 minutes left when Elena Danilova, who three days earlier set up a dramatic winner against New Zealand with a cross from the right, repeated the trick, Anna Kozhnikova this time supplying the finish. Danielle Brogan headed an equaliser ten minutes later but Russia held on. Brazil's match with New Zealand also finished 0-0 to ensure the South Americans came top of the group ahead of Russia.

Finland fall
They will meet China in Moscow on Saturday after the 2004 runners-up defeated Canada 1-0 to finish top of Group B with a perfect record. Nigeria will play Brazil earlier the same afternoon having clinching second place in the pool with a comfortable 8-0 result against Finland, equalling the competition record margin of victory set on Monday when Germany beat Mexico 9-1. Finland, already with two losses on their debut on the global stage and having seen 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam's Essi Saino sent home with a broken metatarsal, could still have progressed had they won but were 3-0 down within 15 minutes through Akudo Sabi, Maureen Eke and Cynthia Uwak. Sabi struck again before the break and two minutes into the second half Rita Chikwelu got on the scoresheet. Eke and Chikwelu then added to the total before the first of that pair completed a hat-trick eleven minutes from time.

European derby
The other quarter-final places will be decided on Thursday and while Germany, fresh from their spectacular showing against Mexico, only need to draw with Switzerland to advance from Group C, their European rivals must overcome the holders by an unlikely seven goals. Even then they would require Korea DPR to beat Mexico. In Group D, France and the United States are both already through and meet for pole position, with Les Bleuettes finishing top on goal difference if they avoid a loss.