Prinz passes Akers as all-time Women's World Cup scoring leader

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Sep 18, 2007

Birgit Prinz became the all-time scoring leader in the Women's World Cup when she scored her 13th goal in Germany's 2-0 victory over Japan Monday in Hangzhou.

Prinz surpassed American Michelle Akers to lead the defending champions into the quarterfinals as the Group A champions.

Renate Lingor added a late penalty for Germany, which had opened with a 11-0 win over Argentina but then had to settle for a 0-0 tie with England.

England claimed second place ahead of Japan on goal difference thanks to its 6-1 win over Argentina in Chengdu. Former Seton Hall and WUSA and W-League star Kelly Smith scored twice to give her four goals and a share of the tournament scoring lead.

Fara Williams, Jill Scott and Vicky Exley also scored for the English, whose other goal was an own goal by Eva Gonzalez -- the third own goal the hapless Argentines allowed in three games. Gonzalez spared Argentina from returning home without scoring when he found the English net in the 60th minute.

England, which is making its first appearance in the Women's World Cup in 12 years, will now meet the Group B winner. Germany will face the Group B runner-up.