FIFAWWC: HOW A RETAKEN CONTROVERSIAL VAR-PENALTY HELPED FRANCE BEAT NIGERIA 1-0
Joseph Omoniyi
The Nigerian Super Falcons were yesterday defeated 1-0 by their French counterpart in the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup, thanks to a controversial penalty goal.
The Super Falcons only needed at least a draw to secure their spot in the knock-out stage of the competition and they started the game with a good fight and a disciplined defensive technique, ensuring the host team, who had white-washed them 8-nil in their last meeting had not even a shot on target in the first half.
However, a 79th penalty goal, awarded by a VAR decision ensured France finished the preliminary stage with 9 maximum points.
The VAR revealed that Nigerian defender, Ngozi Ebere kicked French striker, Vivian Asseyi from behind. With the help of the technology, the referee pointed to the spot and handed her a second yellow and a red card, which reduced the Falcons to 10-women.
The first attempt of the penalty was missed by Renard after hit the bar. The referee however ordered for a retake and booked the 18-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for stepping out of her line before the penalty was taken. Renard blasted the ball into the far corner at the second attempt.
Meanwhile, a replay revealed that at the second retake of the penalty by Renard, French players had crossed into the box before it was taken. See the picture below;
Finishing 3rd, the African champions will now have to place their hope on other results to qualify as best losers to the next round of the competition.
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