Diani treble sees France advance after 6-3 win over Panama

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'Confident' France score 6 against Panama to win group

Julien Laurens recaps an evenftul night in Sydney as France score six goals as well as concede three vs. Panama to top group F.

Updated: Aug 2, 2023, 04:00 pm

Kadidiatou Diani netted a hat trick, including two penalties, to lead France to a frenzied 6-3 victory over debutants Panama on Wednesday and into the round of 16 of the Women's World Cup.

Les Bleues needed only a draw in the Group F finale against winless Panama. After conceding in the second minute, France dominated, with goals from Maelle Lakrar, Lea Le Garrec and Vicki Becho, despite playing without captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading scorer Eugenie Le Sommer.

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Marta Cox made history by scoring Panama's first-ever Women's World Cup goal with a stunning 35-yard free kick that curled into the top corner. Cox burst into tears before being mobbed by teammates.

Trailing 5-1, Yomira Pinzon added a second for Las Canaleras -- the Canal Girls -- from the penalty spot in the 64th minute, to the delight of a largely neutral Sydney Football Stadium crowd of 40,498. Lineth Cedeno pulled one back with a header in the 87th minute, given after a VAR review for a potential offside.