The Golden Goal rule remained in force during the Knock-Out stages but was not needed until the final as all the other matches were settled in normal time. All the games before the Third Place Play-Off were staged as double headers.
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Knock Out Stages
United States
Norway
Although the draw put this game first in the schedule, it was played as the second match of the first quarter-final double header. The title holders had their work cut out against the strong Norwegian side and went full out for the first goal. Inevitably Hamm created this, lofting a free kick from midfield into the box where Wambach nodded it in (24'). Wambach won a penalty in the second half when she was brought down by Norway's goalkeeper on the edge of the area but Hamm's kick was well saved.
Brazil
Sweden
Svensson scored the first goal in the 23rd minute although Marta equalised from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. Eight minutes into the second half Andersson struck what would be the winning goal.
Germany
Russia
Although Russia had made a positive impression in the group stage, they came crashing to earth against a ruthless German team. The score was just 1-0 to Germany at half-time but after the break they ran riot.
China PR
Canada
China's inability to score goals cost them the match. Charmaine Hooper scored in the seventh minute for Canada meeting a long looping ball played from deep with her head as the Chinese goallkeeper tried to punch the ball away. China just could not find a way through to equalise and against all expectations the Canadians were in the semi-finals.
Germany
United States
The two teams showing the strongest form in the competition met in the semi-final and it was Germany who prevailed. Garefrakes headed them into the lead from a corner with 15 minutes played. With the match heading into added time the United States pushed forward, leaving their defence dangerously exposed. Quick counter attacks ended with first Meinart (90+1) and then Prinz (90+3) scoring.
Canada
Sweden
After the host's elimination in the first game of this double header, locals got behind Canada and it all seemed to be going well for them when Lang scored mid-way through the second half with a long-range free-kick. Sweden, however, showed their reslience and struck back (Moström 79', Öqvist 86').
United States
Canada
Team USA had to be content with third place while finishing fourth remains the best ever perfomance by a Canadian national team.
Germany
Sweden
Germany were favourites for this match but they had to work hard for their title. Five minutes from half-time a rapid passing move found Ljungberg. She left two defenders behind as she sprinted on to the ball and slotted it past the German goalkeeper. Immediately after half-time Meinert struck back, receiving the ball wide on the right hand corner of the Swedish penalty area, she slid the ball past the advancing goalkeeper who started to dive the wrong way. With no further goals the match moved into sudden-death extra-time. In the 98th minute Renate Lingor lofted a free kick goalwards where it was firmly headed home by Nia Künzer.