World Cup roundup: New Zealand out, Colombia shock Germans and Australia face must win clash

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is continuing as the group stages come to an end down under.

New Zealand became the first hosts to exit in the first round after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in Auckland on Sunday.

Rangers goalkeeper Victoria Esson came close to a spectacular winner for the Ferns when she made her way up for a corner but her header was just wide of the post.

Also on Sunday, Colombia shocked former champions Germany with an injury-time winner a 2-1 victory after a superb opening goal from teenage sensation Linda Caicedo.

The 18-year-old, who has recently made a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, is taking part in her third World Cup in three-years after also starring in the under-17 and under-21 editions.

Germany will now have to beat South Korea in their final group game to avoid an embarrassing exit.

On Monday co-hosts Australia face a must-win game against Canada as they bid to avoid a similar fate to New Zealand.

The Matildas lost 2-1 to Nigeria last week leaving them and Canada in a battle for the knockout stage, with Chelsea star Sam Kerr expected to return for the home side.

Nigeria, who currently top the group on four points, take on Republic of Ireland whose fate is already sealed after back-to-back defeats in their opening two games.

In Monday’s earlier games Japan earned an impressive victory over a highly rated Spain side to top Group C with both sides already guaranteed a place in the last-16 after winning their opening games against Zambia and Costa Rica.

On Tuesday the Lionesses are back in action as England take on China and a place in the last-16 will be secured if they avoid defeat in the game that will be shown live on STV.

The European champions sit at the top of the group after back-to-back 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark, but could still be knocked out on goal-difference if they lose to China, who have Celtic’s Shen Mengyu in attack, and Denmark beat Haiti.

Half of the tournament’s games, including the final, will be live on STV and the STV Player.