Germany ensured its path to the quarterfinals Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Korea DPR in Tianjin, China. With the loss, the Koreans face an anxious wait to see if they will qualify as one of the top third-place teams.

North Korea had the better of early play, with Kim Kyong Hwa forcing an early save from German keeper Nadine Angerer. Gradually, Germany began to gain a foothold. First, Birgit Prinz was denied by Korea's Jon Myong Hui after breaking loose in the penalty area and then Simone Laudehr saw her header pushed against the crossbar.

The second half continued to see a flurry of chances, with North Korea going close several times. However in the 86th minute, Prinz's shot was mishandled by Jon and subsitute Anja Mittag prodded home.

Germany qualifies for the quarterfinals as the second-place team in Group F on goal difference behind Brazil. The Germans will meet either Sweden, hosts China PR or Canada in their last-eight contest.