FIFA Women’s World Cup | Henry’s extra-time strike puts France in last eight

England also advances with ease amid VAR mayhem

France captain Amandine Henry came to the rescue as the host scraped into the women’s World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win against Brazil after extra time on Sunday, setting up a likely clash with holder the United States.

Henry found the back of the net in the 107th minute of a tense game at the Stade Oceane after Thaisa had cancelled out Valerie Gauvin’s second-half opener.

Brazilian legend Marta said: “I’m proud of our performance, the grit that we showed until the end. That’s the feeling that I will keep with me. “Those are the kind of matches that will help women’s football to continue to grow.”

Cameroon’s anger

Meanwhile in Valenciennes, England marched into the quarterfinals after a 3-0 victory over Cameroon on Sunday in an dramatic match that was overshadowed by the African side’s anger towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) over several decisions. England took the lead in the 14th minute when Steph Houghton drilled the ball low into the right corner from an indirect free kick inside the penalty area. Forward Ellen White then scored her fourth goal of the tournament, with VAR confirming that she was not offside after the goal was initially disallowed.

That incensed Cameroon’s players who appeared to almost refuse to restart the contest as they argued with the referee in the middle of the pitch, furiously pointing to the screen in stadium which showed the replay.

The match continued after Cameroon coach Alain Djeumfa managed to calm his players but more anger was to follow in the second half after Ajara Nchout scored to reduce the deficit. The forward’s goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review, l amid more protests.

England added a third through defender Alex Greenwood, who swept in a first-time effort from a well worked corner in the 58th minute to rub salt into the wounds.

The results: Last 16: England 3 (Houghton 14, White 45+4, Greenwood 58) bt Cameroon 0; France 2 (Gauvin 52, Henry 107) bt Brazil 1 (Thaisa 63).

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