2023 FIFA WWC: Diani hits hat-trick as France beat Panama 6-3 to reach last 16
Kadidiatou Diani netted a hat-trick, including two penalties, to lead France to a frenzied 6-3 victory over debutants Panama on Wednesday, August 2, and into the knockout stages of the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
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It was Panama who scored the best goal of the game however, through captain Marta Cox, who curled a 35-yard free kick into the top corner in just the second minute to give the World Cup debutants a dream start.
The lead would not last and France equalised through a Maelle Lakrar header - helped over the line by a sliced clearance - before Diani put Les Bleues ahead from close range.
Diani converted a penalty after Wendy Natis handled in the Panama box and it was 4-1 on the stroke of the interval when a Lea Le Garrec cross went straight in.
Diani completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot after Natis was judged to have handled for a second time.
Panama pulled a goal back also from the penalty spot, via Yomira Pinzon, and then Lineth Cedeno headed in their third, each goal sparking jubilant celebrations.
France had the last word however, as Vicki Becho added a sixth for France in stoppage time, volleying past past the busy Yenith Bailey in the Panama goal.
Panama has never scored a Women's World Cup goal at kick-off, but needed fewer than 90 seconds to fix that. And it was fixed in style.
From a free kick which looked too far out to cause real danger, captain Cox unleashed a wicked, curling shot which arrowed into the top corner and left the French goalkeeper helpless despite travelling at least 35 yards in the air.
