Germans advance to semi-finals

Hughes is mobbed after scoring but Australia still lost

The German women's team maintained their 100% record to cruise into the semi-finals with a win against Sweden.

The Germans made it three wins out of three courtesy of a late strike from Araine Hingst to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory.

The Swedes, who lost two and drew one of their three group matches, battled valiantly throughout, but were unable to breach their opponents' watertight defence.

It was Germany who had the better of the chances, with two shots cleared off the line in the 17th minute, and the only surprise was that it took them so long to score.

Hanna Marklund comes away from German scorer Hingst

Hingst finally broke the deadlock two minutes from time chipping the ball over keeper Caroline Joensson as two Swedish defenders slipped over on the sodden pitch.

Unstoppable

Joining Germany in the semi-finals are Brazil, who came from behind to beat host nation Australia.

Sunni Hughes put the Matildas in front on the half hour with a brilliant goal-of-the-tournament contender.

Picking up the ball with her back to goal, she flicked it over her head and past two Brazilian defenders. She then rounded a third before rifling in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area.

As the partisan crowd erupted, Hughes celebrated by ripping off her shirt to expose her green sports bra.

Sadly for the Australians it was not enough as goals from Raquel and Katia ended their challenge.

But there was a spot of light relief for the crowd when a naked man streaked on the pitch in the 90th minute, making it to the centre circle before being tackled by security.

Brazil and Germany will face either China, the United States or Norway for a place in the final.