Germany, England book their place in last eight

Birgit Prinz etched her name in soccer history yesterday when she scored one and helped set up the second as Germany saw off Japan to secure a place in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals alongside England who finished runners-up in the Group A.

Prinz became the tournament's all-time top scorer when she netted from Renate Lingor's cross for her 13th World Cup goal after 21 minutes.

Lingor wrapped up the win with three minutes left, scoring from the spot after Martina Mueller was fouled.

The result meant that Germany progressed as winners of the group ahead of England who eased past Argentina 6-1.

England led 2-0 after 10 minutes thanks to Eva Gonzalez's headed own goal and Jill Scott's speculative shot.

Argentina's Catalina Perez was sent off early in the second half, giving away a penalty that was converted by Fara Williams.

Argentina pulled a goal back through Gonzalez's free-kick, but Kelly Smith struck twice more and Vicky Exley made it 6-1 with a confident penalty conversion.

England and Germany will discover their quarter-final opponents today when the Group B matches are completed. The United States are favourites to progress along with either Sweden or North Korea.

Playing today: Group B - North Korea vs Sweden; Nigeria vs US.