Diani nets hat-trick as France beat Panama 6-3

France’s Kadidiatou Diani scores from the penalty spot v Panama in Sydney yesterday. Pic/AFP

Kadidiatou Diani hit a hat-trick as France marched into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday in a 6-3 thriller against Panama.

It was a polished recovery after Marta Cox's wonder strike on 67 seconds left the French reeling, swerving a free kick into the corner from 30 yards for her country's first-ever World Cup goal.

She spun away in celebration and was mobbed by teammates as the tears flowed at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium. But the euphoria was short-lived as France ran riot, with Diani scoring twice - one a penalty - and Maelle Lakrar and Lea Le Garrec adding a goal apiece before half-time.

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Paris Saint-Germain striker Diani got her third from the spot after the restart, but Panama refused to give up as France relaxed.

Yomira Pinzon added their second with a crisply struck penalty and Lineth Cedeno scored again in an exciting finale, before Vicki Becho finished well to seal the game for France in injury time. The win ensured France finished top of Group F to set up a knockout round clash with the second-placed team in Group H - most likely Germany.

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