Germany thrash South Africa to win Group B

Getty Images

---

Germany won their Women's World Cup group for the fifth consecutive time and avoided an immediate matchup with the United States by routing South Africa 4-0 on Monday.

Germany topped Group B with a perfect record and will play a third-place team in their round-of-16 match Saturday at Grenoble.

Germany had to grind out 1-0 wins over both China and Spain, but their offence finally broke out with three goals in the first half against South Africa. That matched Germany's total goals in their previous five World Cup games.

Germany had already clinched a spot in the round of 16 before the game began against South Africa.

South Africa, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 49th, were winless in group play and outscored 8-1.

Spain finished Group B as runner-up after a 0-0 draw with China, and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time. Spain will face the winner of Group F on Monday at Reims and the United States would be the opponent with a victory or draw in their final group match against Sweden.

- FIFA Women's World Cup: All you need to know

- Full Women's World Cup fixtures schedule

Melanie Leupolz opened the scoring in the 14th minute with her first goal for Germany since the 2016 Olympics. Sara Dabritz doubled the lead in the 29th minute and Alexandra Popp made it 3-0 in the 40th. Lina Magull added the final goal right before the hour mark.

Two-time tournament champions Germany have not lost a match in group play since falling to Sweden in 1995.