A review of Saturday's Women's World Cup action, where VAR got involved as Germany beat Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals.
Saturday's results
- Germany 3-0 Nigeria
- Norway 1-1 Australia - Norway win 4-1 on penalties
Review
Germany became the first nation to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup but the VAR debate dominated again in their 3-0 win over Nigeria.
The Germans have now qualified for the last eight at every edition of the tournament and this is the third time they have done so without conceding a goal.
However, there was some controversy over Alexandra Popp's 20th-minute opener on her 100th appearance.
The unmarked striker headed home a corner from four yards out but the goal was referred to the video assistant referee as Svenja Huth, in an offside position, was in front of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
🇩🇪⚽️ Germany are into the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup after a 3-0 win over Nigeria!
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) June 22, 2019
💯 Alexandra Popp marked her 100th international match with a 48th goal...after the standard VAR involvement.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vU8hPsEYHW
However, on-field referee Yoshimi Yamashita deemed Huth was not interfering.
The Japanese official then required VAR to come to her aid just before the half-hour as her original decision to award a throw-in was overturned in favour of a penalty as Evelyn Nwabuoku had caught Lina Magull with her follow-through from a clearance.
Former England defender Laura Bassett told BBC Two referees were using VAR as a "comfort blanket" but it made little difference to Sara Dabritz, who converted from the spot for her third goal in as many games.
Germany defender Giulia Gwinn's booking for a feisty challenge was then checked for a case of mistaken identity as VAR continued to be heavily involved.
Seven minutes from time Lea Schuller added the third, capitalising on some loose Nigeria possession with a clinical, first-time finish.
Norway beat Australia 4-1 on penalties to progress to a potential quarter-final clash with England.
The teams were tied at 1-1 after extra time but Australia, who had Alanna Kennedy sent off in the first additional period, missed their first two spot kicks as Norway stayed perfect in the shoot-out.
Norway now await the winner of England's last-16 match against Cameroon on Sunday.
😩 Norway couldn't have come any closer to scoring a last-gasp winner in normal time!
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) June 22, 2019
🇳🇴🙌 But it mattered not as they beat Australia on penalties to reach the #FIFAWWC quarter-finals!pic.twitter.com/NYtoP9VMaQ
