Nigeria beat South Korea in other Group A match on Wednesday; Germany continue perfect start to campaign with win against Spain in Group B
Wednesday 12 June 2019 22:44, UK
France scored a controversial VAR-awarded second-half penalty to defeat Norway 2-1 and all but confirm their spot in the last-16 of the Women's World Cup.
Eugenie Le Sommer scored her 12th international goal in as many appearances in the 72nd minute, after Marion Torrent was adjudged to have been fouled by Ingrid Engen, at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.
Corinne Diacre's France, viewed as one of the favourites, took the lead through Valerie Gauvin straight after half-time, before a calamitous own goal from Wendie Renard saw Norway drew level.
France now top Group A with six points from two games, three clear of Norway and third-placed Nigeria, who they play in their final group game on Monday.
Norway, who are one of just four teams to have won the competition, meet South Korea at the same time (8pm BST).
Earlier in the day, Nigeria earned their first win at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Korea at the Stade des Alps.
An own goal from South Korea defender Kim Do-yeon and a superb strike by former Liverpool and Arsenal forward Asisat Oshoala kept Nigeria in contention for a place in the last 16.
Nigeria will guarantee a place in the knockout stages if they manage to beat hosts France on Monday in Rennes, but Thomas Dennerby's side could also qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.
South Korea face Norway in their final Group A match on Monday, knowing their hopes of reaching the last 16 are all but over after defeat in Grenoble.
Germany sealed their second win at the Women's World Cup after Sara Daebritz's strike secured a 1-0 victory over Spain in Valenciennes.
Spain dominated possession for large chunks of the game but Daebritz's 42nd minute goal turned out to be the only goal of the match as Germany took a significant stride towards the last 16.
Victory means the No 2 ranked side in the world are all-but through to the knockout stages.
Their place in the last 16 will be guaranteed if South Africa fail to beat China on Thursday, while they will secure top spot in the group if they avoid defeat against the South Africans next Monday.
For Spain, they now need to beat China in their last Group B match on Monday to advance.