REIMS, France, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands narrowed past Canada 2-1 in their last Group E game here on Thursday, advancing to the knockout stage as group winners.
Both sides have claimed two successive victories before Thursday's match, the Netherlands just need one point to finish first in this group.
After a goalless first half, the Netherlands broke the deadlock 9 minutes after the break as Anouk Dekker steered her header into the net on Sherida Spitse's assist.
The Canadians responded six minutes later when veteran Christine Sinclair scored the leveler, becoming the second player to score in five consecutive World Cups.
However, the Netherlands restored the lead and sealed the victory in the 75th minute when Lineth Beerensteyn who came off the bench slid the ball into the net.
The Netherlands will face Japan in Rennes in the round of 16. Canada, Group E runners-up, will face whoever finishes second in Group F: USA or Sweden. Enditem
