Ireland knocked out after Canada defeat
Ireland crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after Canada came from behind to win 2-1 on Wednesday.
Spain and Japan reached the last 16 with a game to spare.
Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice as Spain thumped Zambia 5-0 to reach the last 16.
One of the tournament favourites made the knockout stages with a game to spare having already beaten Costa Rica in their first match.
Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring before Hermoso and Redondo took charge as Spain eased to victory.
Japan also qualified for the last 16 with a routine win over Costa Rica.
Quickfire first-half goals from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino saw the 2011 champions through.
Japan and Spain will battle it out for top spot in their final Group C game when they face each other on Monday.
Ireland bowed out of the tournament after Canada came from behind to win in Group B.
Captain Katie McCabe gave Ireland the lead when she scored straight from a corner after just four minutes.
Megan Connolly’s own goal levelled just before half-time and Adriana Leon grabbed Canada’s winner eight minutes after the break.
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