The United States and China were tipped to qualify from Group C. Denmark appeared once again having scraped through the qualifiers as best losing quarter-finalist. Australia had qualified from Oceania on goal difference. The United States and the Chinese teams wore strips that were distinctly different to those of their respective men's sides.
United States
China PR
This was a dramatic match in which the USA were ahead by two goals before Liping scored for China (38'). Hamm made it 3-1 but in the second half the Chinese pressed hard and scored twice in five minutes (Wei 74', Sun 79') to share the points. The United States' star player, Michele Akers, was injured in the 18th minute and would take no further part in the competition.
Denmark
Australia
The Matildas were swept aside by Denmark.
United States
Denmark
The United States' goalkeeper, Brianna Scurry, was controversially dismissed with two minutes remaining after she accidentally stepped outside the penalty area when kicking the ball from hand, which the referee interpreted as deliberate handball.
China PR
Australia
Although China took the lead mid-way through the first half, Iannotta equalised almost immediately and it was 1-1 at half-time.In the second half China showed their superiority with two more goals. Although Australia did score again in the 89th minute, Liu wrapped it all up with a fourth goal for China in injury time.
United States
Australia
Austtralia finished the competition empty-handed as a confident Team USA achieved a comfortable victory that put them on top of the group on goal difference.
China PR
Denmark
The scores were level at half-time but two late goals (Sun 76', Wei 90') gave China the points and second place in the group. Denmark also went through in third place.
(Gabriel Vogas)