Women's World Cup Du Jour: Canada reaches knockout stage, Vivianne Miedema makes history

This is Yahoo Soccer’s daily Women’s World Cup recap. From the best performances to the buzziest moments, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing from France.

Key result

Canada 2-0 New Zealand

The first knockout stage ticket punched by a non-European team goes to Canada, which got goals from Jessie Fleming and Nichelle Prince in the second half to crack a stubborn New Zealand defense. The sheer numbers back Canada’s dominance: 24 shots, eight corners, more than two-thirds of the possession. It still took awhile to score, but it never really felt like New Zealand had a chance.

The Canadians’ creative, tireless attack has a chance to carry them to their best Women’s World Cup finish since winding up fourth in 2003. Star striker Christine Sinclair is still sitting three goals shy of tying Abby Wambach’s international record, men’s or women’s, but she figures to have plenty of chances to approach it in the coming weeks. New Zealand, meanwhile, is still mystifyingly winless in 14 World Cup matches all-time.

Standout player

Vivianne Miedema, Netherlands

If there’s a better example of the Dutch’s potential and optimism than Miedema, we’re not sure who it is. Only 22 years old, Miedema scored twice in Saturday’s win over Cameroon to become the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands with 60 goals. Her first goal was an expert header on a bullet cross by Shanice van de Sanden, and her second sealed the three points in the 85th minute. The Netherlands will need her firing again as they face Canada for the right to win Group E on Thursday.

Best goal

Miedema, Netherlands

We told you about her great header. Now watch it:

Headlines from the touchlines

USWNT focused on Chile, not dodging potential quarterfinal with France

Statue of Swedish defender who fights for equality vandalized

Brazil-Jamaica drew second-biggest domestic TV audience ever

Cameroon player escapes red card for high kick

Sunday’s games

Sweden vs. Thailand, Group F, 9 a.m. ET

United States vs. Chile, Group F, Noon ET

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