Wendie Renard with the penalty kick [Source: BBC]

France defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup thriller in Rennes.

The hosts finished top of Group A after a twice-taken penalty by Wendie Renard gave them a 1-0 win in an incident-packed finish.

The initial penalty – awarded after a video assistant referee review for a foul on Viviane Asseyi – hit the post.

But keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was ruled to have moved off her line early and Renard slotted the re-taken spot kick.

Nigeria still have a big chance of making the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

The final round of Women’s World Cup group-stage matches is underway and 12 sides have reached the knockout stages.

Hosts France, two-time winners Germany, improving Italy and Phil Neville’s England are all already assured of their places in the last 16, as well as 2011 champions Japan.

Italy have exceeded many pundits’ expectations to reach the last 16 with back-to-back wins over Australia and Jamaica, and they could top their group even if they lose to Brazil.

The United States, the holders, and their Group F rivals Sweden are also through, along with Group E duo Canada and the Netherlands, Group B’s Spain and China and Group A’s Norway, while Scotland are among the teams with work to do.

Brazil and Australia both need just a draw from their third matches to guarantee qualification.

Having lost their opening two matches, Jamaica must beat Australia and look to overhaul their vastly inferior goal difference, before then hoping results elsewhere fall their way.

In another match held today, Norway defeated South Korea 2-1, China held Spain nil-all while Germany thrashed South Africa 4-0.

[Source: BBC]