Netherlands and Cameroon march on to the Round of 16 of the Women's World Cup

Canada's perfect record in 2019 has finally been blemished after the Canadians fell 2-1 to the Netherlands on the final day of group-stage play at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Dutch were fully deserving of their victory as they played a smooth, attractive brand of soccer that kept Canada under pressure throughout. The Canadians were content to counterattack, and had several chances outside of Christine Sinclair's 60th-minute goal to find the back of the net. It wasn't meant to be for Canada, however, as a late flurry did not lead to an equalizer, meaning Canada would finish in second place in Group E behind the still-perfect Dutch.

Canada moves on to the round of 16 with a meeting on Monday against the second-place team from Group F.

Cameroon will face either England or France in the last 16 next week, while New Zealand will board a long flight home. 

Cameroon advanced courtesy of Ajara Nchout's goal at the death. An own goal from Aurelle Awona looked to have condemned her side to a premature exit from the competition, cancelling out Nchout's opener. 

However, Cameroon flooded players forward in the dying seconds. Nchout produced the moment of brilliance required, weaving her way past New Zealand defenders before firing her effort past Erin Nayler into the bottom corner. 

Alain Djeumfa's side were the better team this afternoon and deserve its place in the next round of the competition, which is secured thanks to its win along with their good disciplinary record. New Zealand didn't have enough in the contest, and although it will be disappointed to lose in that manner, it didn't deserve to continue at the expense of Cameroon.