Germany continued its perfect start to the Women's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Spain in Valenciennes.
Midfielder Sara Dabritz capitalized on some sluggish defending shortly before half-time to secure three points for the reigning Olympic champions.
Germany's place in the knockout phrases will be sealed if the two other sides in Group B, South Africa and China, draw on Thursday.
READ | Germany v Spain, as it happened
Having won its opening game, Spain will still feel confident it too can progress, and will do so should they beat China on Monday.
Spain had more shots and the better of the possession, yet paid the price for missing its opportunities against a Germany side without key midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan, who suffered a broken toe in opening win over China.
Nahikari Garcia should have put Spain ahead when she raced clean through early on only to stab wide of Almuth Schult's goal.
Spain threatened again from Silvia Meseguer's strike, but Germany grew into the game and took the lead three minutes before the interval courtesy of Dabritz – with a helping hand from some poor Spain defending.
READ | Women's World Cup 2019: Results and Standings
Goalkeeper Sandra Panos could only fend off Alexandra Popp's header back into the danger area yet captain Marta Torrejon, stationed at the back post, was well positioned to clear. She hesitated, however, and the onrushing Dabritz slid in to convert.
Spain had plenty of the ball in the second half but came up against a resolute Germany defense and, for all its possession, failed to register a shot on target after the 47th minute.
Marina Hegering dragged an effort wide for the Germans yet they hung on to claim a second successive 1-0 victory in the tournament.
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