Hosts France secured the top spot in Group A
as they maintained their perfect record at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with
a controversial 1-0 win over 10-woman Nigeria on Monday.
Les Bleus had opened up their home tournament
with victories against South Korea and Norway, and Wendie Renard’s 79th minute
penalty at Rennes’ Roazhon Park made it three from three going into the knockout
rounds.
However, the spot-kick was controversial. It
was awarded via VAR after Ngozi Ebere was adjudged to have fouled Viviane
Asseyi in the box, which led to the Nigerian’s sending off for a second yellow
card.
Renard then blasted into the corner for
France’s goal, but only after she was allowed to re-take the penalty due to
goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie coming off her line. She had hit the post with her
first effort.
As Group A winners, France will face one of the
best third-placed teams in the last 16, while Nigeria have to wait to see if
they have secured one of the best third-place spots in the first knockout
round.
Hosts France secured the top spot in Group A
as they maintained their perfect record at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with
a controversial 1-0 win over 10-woman Nigeria on Monday.
