Valenciennes (France): Germany brushed off the absence of injured star player Dzsenifer Marozsan to beat Spain 1-0 on Wednesday and take control of Group B in the women's World Cup, virtually assuring themselves of missing the rampant United States in the last 16. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Sara Daebritz earned the Germans a hard-fought three points by pouncing three minutes before the break ahead of dithering Spain defender Marta Torrejon, who only had to clear the ball after her goalkeeper Sandra Panos did well to save Alexandra Popp's header.

"I thought I could get to the ball so I just slid into it, and it was fantastic to score," Daebritz told German broadcaster ZDF. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's side, who will be without Lyon playmaker Marozsan for at least another match after she broke her toe in their opening 1-0 win over China, are almost assured of topping the group. They are three points clear of Spain and are one better on goal difference, meaning they need a point against bottom side South Africa on Monday to be completely sure of coming out on top. That would leave whoever finished second below them to face the Americans, who were in ominous form on Tuesday as they racked up a record 13-0 win over Thailand, while the Germans would take on one of the four best third-placed finishers who will make the last 16. "Our goal was always to win the group, and now we are on the way to doing so. We want to win our third game too," added Daebritz.