Women's World Cup news: More VAR drama as Germany beat Nigeria to reach last eight

Germany continued their record of always reaching the World Cup quarter finals with a 3-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday afternoon.

There was some controversy, but Alexandra Popp’s goal on her 100th international appearance, Sara Dabritz’s penalty and Lea Schuller’s late finish on her first start in the tournament did the damage in the end.

It didn’t take long for Germany to settle, but they had VAR to thank twice as they scored two quick-fire goals. First, Popp’s strike stood despite Svenja Huth standing in an offside position as she headed home a corner, before a spot-kick was given for a foul on Lina Magull.

After a lengthy wait as Evelyn Nwabuoku’s rash challenge was checked, Dabritz slotted home to ease German nerves.

Nigeria tried to push on as the half went on, but they struggled for a cutting edge without star Asisat Oshoala. Popp, Magull and Dabritz kept pushing on, but before the break, referee Yoshimi Yamashita decided against giving a penalty for handball against Giulia Gwinn after checking VAR again.

A flurry of changes at half-time saw pacey teenager Rasheedat Ajibade come on for Nigeria, and she was involved straight away with a run and cross from the left, but Desire Oparanozie couldn’t connect at the back post.

It was much of the same for Nigeria as they struggled to impact the game. Germany kept them at arm’s length before Schuller rounded the day off with a lovely first-time finish.

Whenever VAR is required, drama and controversy soon follow. It was needed twice within the space of around five minutes in the first half. The referee decided Huth, who was stood in front of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, was not interfering with play as Popp scored before rather surprisingly missing the incident between Magull and Nwabuoku in real time. The debate over VAR continues to rumble on.

The Germany captain took the headlines for her century-marking strike, but in a game which lacked attacking fluidity at both ends, Popp’s link-up play proved the difference. Huth, Dabritz, and Schuller played well off her, but she brought everything together in the first half particularly. It must be said, though, that if Germany are to lift a third World Cup crown, they will need to get Dzenifer Maroszan back from injury as soon as possible, despite her being an unused substitute.

Germany: Schult 6, Schweens 6, Hegering 6, Dootsoun 6, Gwinn 7, Dabritz 7, Magull 7, Leupolz 6, Huth 6, Popp 8, Schuller 7 Substitutes Buhl 6, Simon 6, Oberdorf 5

Nigeria: Nnadozie 6, Ohale 6, Nwbuoku 5, Ebi 5, Okeke 5, Ordega 6, Ayinde 5, Okobi 6, Kanu 6, Ihezuo 6, Oparanozie 6 Substitutes Ajibade 6, Uchendu 5, Ogebe n/a

20’ – GOAL! Alexandra Popp scores on her 100th appearance for Germany. Finally a corner that goes right, and she heads home. 1-0. VAR gives it after a check.

27’ - GOAL! Dabritz scores after a long wait as VAR awards a penalty for foul on Magull. Right into the bottom right corner. Long way back for Nigeria now.

50’ – CHANCE! Ajibade is straight into the action with a great run down the left, but her cross is too strong for Oparanozie at the back post. Inches away from 2-1...

82’ - GOAL! 3-0, Lena Schuller with a perfect finish into the bottom corner. Game over.

Germany have now won the last eight meetings with Nigeria

Sara Dabritz is the first German player to score in three successive World Cup games since Birgit Prinz in 2003