Nine-goal Germany set new high

Germany may have lost the first game of their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup defence to Korea DPR, but they hit form today in Russia with a competition record 9-1 win against Mexico, while France secured their quarter-final berth.

Quick-fire goals
Mexico had won their Group C opener against Switzerland, so victory for vital for Germany. And although they took 24 minutes to break the deadlock, once Célia Okoyino da Mbabi headed in Simone Laudehr's cross the result was never in doubt. Five minutes later Fatime Bajramaj finished off a swift break from midfield, and Nadine Kessler then produced a fine solo run and finish after Monique Kerschowski's clever pass. Anna Blässe struck twice in the eight minutes before the interval, first following up after a Juliane Maier shot was fumbled then getting on the end of a Laudehr delivery.

Blaesse hat-trick
Laudehr claimed a goal for herself four minutes after the break thanks to a Kerschowski cross and just before the hour Maier forced in Germany's seventh. Mexico pulled one back when substitute Monique Cisneros charged down a Romina Holz clearance but immediately Germany replacement Jennifer Oster registered at the other end, and there was still time for Ann-Christin Angel to set up Blässe to complete her hat-trick.

Swiss strife
Switzerland then hoped to get off the mark against Korea DPR but fell to a 4-0 defeat. Jong Pok-Hui and Kim Ok-Sim scored either side of half-time and Kim Song-Hui added goals on 78 and 80 minutes to all but take her team through. While Germany know a win against the Swiss on Thursday would ensure progress regardless of the result between Korea DPR and Mexico, Claudio Taddei's charges must beat the holders by seven goals and still need the Asian nation to triumph. In the equivalent fixture in the 2005 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship group stage, Germany prevailed by 5-2.

France hope
France, however, are assured of a quarter-final slot from Group D as they overcame Congo DR 1-0, a deserved success earned by Amandine Henry's header just before half-time. The United States had already thrashed Argentina 4-1, so the 2002 champions and Les Bleuettes will meet in three days' time with maximum points on the board. A draw would give France first place on goal difference - and a potential encounter with Germany, a month on from their European U19 final clash - should the Group C standings remain the same.

Wednesday deciders
The concluding group fixtures begin on Wednesday. In Group A, hosts Russia need only draw with Australia to make the last eight as leaders Brazil play eliminated New Zealand. Meanwhile, in Group B, Finland must overcome Nigeria and hope first-placed China beat Canada to have any chance of advancing on goal difference.