michaelaRenard was ordered to retake her penalty after a video referral adjudged that keeper Nnadozie had crossed her line before the first kicked was played
The Super Falcons were “robbed” by VAR in their last group game of the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup against France, according to Nigerian fans.
The feedback on that VAR is not positive. In fact, it’s insurrectional.
Evan Crocker: “It seems a bit absurd to punish a keeper for being two inches off the line when the penalty taker is allowed to dance, jump rope, and even stop for a phone call in the run up to the kick.”
Luke Jones: “Please say something that will make me feel like tedious VAR-check penalties and decisions like the Nigeria goalkeeper moving a foot off the line is not the future of football.”
Jon Collins: “A prime example of why I dislike VAR a lot in the absolutely inevitable awarding of that penalty there; a good three momentum-killing minutes (that won’t be added on) of pissing about because the ref is reluctant to give an obvious pen without the advice of a video assistant. Not a fan.”
Soluna Mar: “I understood the guidance of VAR use was a clear and obvious error. If it takes several minutes for an official to review and take a decision doesn’t that make it inherently not obvious?”
Dave Seare: “But she moved in front of the goal line on the re-take too! I’d have just sat down for the second one.”
Nigeria went into the encounter in dire need of a positive result, but Wendie Renard’s 79th minute penalty condemned Thomas Dennerby’s ladies to their second defeat of the championship.
The game was heading for a 0-0 draw before VAR awarded a penalty kick to the hosts after Ngozi Ebere was penalised for fouling Viviane Asseyi in Nigeria’s penalty area.
The initial kick by Renard hit the outside of the post and went wide. However, VAR ordered a replay after goalkeeper Nnadozie moved off her line before the kick. The Olympique Lyon star made no mistakes in converting the retake as Les Bleues made it three wins in three games.
It was a decision that has split opinion, with many feeling the African champions were hard done by the Video Assistant Referee.
Just give them the goal… We understand #NIGFRA
— Jonathan Kayode (@kake_1) June 17, 2019
Who else is follow the #NIGFRA women world cup…? The officiating is all messed up!! Wrong call every where!! Disappointing.
— Prince Abraham Joshua (@babycustard_007) June 17, 2019
I don’t need anyone to tell me that @FIFAcom is against us in this @FIFAWWC #NIGFRA
— OMO’OBA ??? (@kaptain2020) June 17, 2019
The commentator is so damn disappointing. So unprofessional!! The referee is a scam!! #NIGFRA
— Prince Abraham Joshua (@babycustard_007) June 17, 2019
How long are they going to take Africans for a ride?#NIGFRA
Nigeria getting robbed there with VAR we see you…
— Lill Teller (@Teller0303) June 17, 2019
I’m French but confused, weird second penalty decision wtf #NIGFRA
— Élie (@1l7aZ) June 17, 2019
#NIGFRA Please these referees should just hand over the cup to the French team. A penalty retake? If she had score the first penalty will the referee has ordered a retake?
— Ceeklasik.. (@OfforneduJ) June 17, 2019
A quick question, if the first penalty was scored would the ref had sanctioned a replay coz the keeper stepped out?#NIGFRA
— Akinpelu Olayinka (@brother_oluyk) June 17, 2019
VAR and referee have rigged today’s #NIGFRA @FIFAcom Women cup in favour of France. Why didn’t the VAR and referee spot the french players in the 18 yard box ? #SSFootball
— Nnamdi Okechukwu (@AuxyBee) June 17, 2019
L’injustice que je viens de voir dans ce match france NIGÉRIA me dégoûte. Comment on peut nous manquer de respect en direct comme ça sans aucun scrupule ? Comment faire pour soigner ma haine ??? #NIGFRA
— Mélissa812 (@Mlissa8121) June 17, 2019
Gave Norway 2 dubious penalties against Korea then gave France a penalty retake against Falcons #FIFAWWC @FIFAcom just come out straight and tell Africans they aint wanted at ur tournaments anymore #NGAFRA #NIGFRA Oshoala Ebere Falcons #NIG
— Omo Mummy Nurse #MUFC ? MUFC ?? (@unilorin_efico) June 17, 2019
Désolée les filles | Not a fair nor beautiful win for ?? against ??| @FIFAcom @FIFAWWC Should you look back at archives to compare to what happened tonight ? #NIGFRA #football #FIFAWorldCup2019
— Léa Paties (@leapaties) June 17, 2019
Hard luck for the @NGSuper_Falcons but I’m very proud of them for keeping the scoreline very low #FIFAWWC
— Shina Oludare (@sportingshina) June 17, 2019
The Super Falcons promised to give France a game today and they did. Have to be proud of their performance tonight. A painful end to what was panning into a beautiful story for Nigeria. We can only hope we make through as one of the four best third-place teams. #SoarSuperFalcons
— Godwin Odiko ⚽™ (@GodwinOdiko) June 17, 2019
How Super Falcons could still qualify despite 1-0 defeat
Nigeria, on Monday night, lost 1-0 to hosts France in their last Group A game at the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons held on for 75 minutes, before conceding a penalty that Wendie Renard converted at the second time of asking.
Before the game, it was almost certain that Thomas Dennerby’s ladies would finish third in the group, as Norway were going to face Korea Republic.
However, if they had gotten a point, the Falcons would have stood a bigger chance.
Nigeria’s chances, which are now slim, depend on results from other groups.
But there are only three spaces left, as China has already taken one of the slots reserved for the best third-placed teams.
For the African champions to qualify for the Round of 16, Scotland need to beat Argentina. Or at least hold the South Americans to a draw.
New Zealand must also hold Cameroon or if either side wins, it must not be by more than three goals.
Thailand, who have conceded 17 times already, should not lose by more than three goals to Chile.
The Falcons might even need Jamaica to pull off a shock win over Australia in Group C.
Group games will be concluded by Thursday, June 20.
