France’s 2-1 victory against Norway last night has enabled them to stay on top Group A table. They have been able to achieve this with two wins from two games at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Following Valerie Gauvin’s opening strike just one minute into the second half and Wendie Renard’s bizarre own goal, France was looking for a win. The opportunity came in the 70th minute when Ingrid Engen caught Marion Torrent, and it was deemed enough for VAR to intervene.
After reviewing the incident on the monitor, the referee awarded a penalty kick. Eugenie Le Sommer converted the game-winning penalty kick in the 72nd minute for the tournament hosts to overcome an appalling own goal and beat Norway 2-1 on Wednesday in Nice, France.
Norway remains second in the group ahead of Nigeria, based on goal difference. A win against South Korea in their final match will send them through to the last 16.
Norway manager Martin Sjögren remained on the fence immediately after the game. “I need to see it again before I can decide for myself. I think we were, like, punished a bit, but I’m not sure if it was a penalty or not.”
After winning the player of the match award, Valerie Gauvin said. “Since I’ve been a young girl, I’ve had a strong mindset. My life has never been easy, and my family are my best supporters, and I know to never let go. I concentrate on what I know I can do best. It’s about giving the best I have and be effective and efficient when I work with my team players. As seen in the first match, I give the best I can to show that even I’m on the bench at first and then enter afterward, I am still there with the group.”
Group B and Group C are up today as Australia take on Brazil before South Africa face China.