Germany edge past Nigeria

Simone Laudehr netted the only goal of the game after the break as the host nation booked a place in the last eight of the competition.

Neither side was able to dominate the opening period, a half in which few chances were created. The Germans were gifted a chance within the first five minutes as a mix-up between goalkeeper and defender allowed Laudehr to sneak in and shoot. Precious Dede in the Nigeria net had to be on her toes to get down low and save.

Germany had a half chance 10 minutes later as a quick-passing move was ended prematurely when Kim Kulig elected to shoot from distance instead of passing out wide to Kerstin Garefrekes. The shot was tame and failed to trouble Dede.

Mid-way through the first half Nigeria had a decent chance to take the lead. Stella Mbachu’s corner was excellently delivered to the feet of Rita Chikwelu who volleyed towards goal. Unfortunately for the Nigerians Saskia Bartusiak managed to get a block in, deflecting the ball away from the top corner.

Ten minutes after the restart Germany took the lead after Nigeria conceded a needless free-kick on the edge of the area. Celia Okoyino da Mbabi's cross was not dealt with and ricocheted around the 12 yard box. It finally fell to Laudehr who made no mistake in volleying it into the top corner.

The rest of the second half failed to produce any memorable chances as the Germans defended stoutly on the way to a place in the quarter-finals.