France tops Norway to remain unbeaten
NICE, France — France recovered from a terrible own-goal to beat Norway 2-1 on Wednesday as the host nation remained undefeated at the Women’s World Cup.
Eugenie Le Sommer scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute after video review determined Ingrid Syrstad Engen had fouled Marion Torrent in the penalty area.
Valerie Gauvin, benched in France’s opening 4-0 win over South Korea, broke the tie after halftime but Norway equalized when Wendie Renard turned a cross into her goal.
Renard appeared to be in tears as she raised her face to the sky in anguish.
“It was a battle for top spot, even though we can’t denigrate the last match against Nigeria,” Le Sommer said. “It was a very important victory today for our preparation for the rest of the tournament.”
France moved three points ahead of Norway in Group A.
“We lost the match but I thought we were equal with the French,” Norway coach Martin Sjogren said.
GERMANY 1, SPAIN 0
As Germany hung on for another close win, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg could sense the unease in her team. And relief in edging Spain in Valenciennes.
So when the final whistle blew in northern France the coach quickly gathered her players.
“There was some tension,” she said. “I told my players we pushed our limits.”
The way her side lost possession of the ball grated. But Voss-Tecklenburg reminded the squad to be proud and united in the pursuit of a third world title.
The Germans are finding it far from easy going at the start of Group B, relying on Sara Dabritz’s goal in the 42nd minute against the run of play to prevail against the skillful Spanish.
Dabritz was in the right place to pounce.
After goalkeeper Sandra Panos couldn’t keep hold of Alexandra Popp’s header, Dabritz gathered the loose ball and scored.
“We were playing some great football,” Spain coach Jorge Vilda said.
NIGERIA 2, SOUTH KOREA 0
In Grenoble, Asisat Oshoala became the second Nigerian player to score in two Women’s World Cup tournaments with a late goal in a victory over South Korea.
Nigeria took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute when South Korea’s Kim Doyeon volleyed the ball into her net.