The same rule may assist the nation qualify for the next round of the tournament two days after a FIFA rule broke the hearts of many Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were heartbroken on Monday as their qualifying hopes for the 16th round at the continuing Women’s World Cup in France were thrown into equilibrium owing to a contentious newly introduced FIFA rule.
The new rule (at penalties) is that the goalkeeper must have at least one foot on the line and a retake is made once this is not completely adhered to and the goalkeeper is cautioned.
Wendie Renard’s first effort went wide in Monday’s game between France and Nigeria, but scored with a second chance after a video replay displaying Chiamaka Nnadozie marginally in front of the goal line.
However, 48 hours later, the same rule seems to have given Nigeria a lifeline as Argentina remarkably though with the assistance of VAR came from three goals down to force Scotland to a 3-3 draw.
With this development, after the same thing that occurred in the Nigeria-France match played out against Argentina on Wednesday in the dying minutes of the games, Scotland was sent home.
But the heartbreak of Scotland is now the pleasure of Nigeria as the Falcons ‘ opportunity to qualify for the Round of 16 has just become brighter.
Argentina also have a small lifeline with two points. The South Americans will need New Zealand vs Cameroon and Thailand vs Chile to be drawn to pull through.
Of the four slots available for the highest third-placed teams, China and Brazil have already taken two out of their group matches, having four and six points respectively.
They’d be okay if the New Zealand vs. Cameroon and Thailand vs. Chile matches end in stalemates for the Super Falcons to verify their position.
They would also pull through if the New Zealand vs. Cameroon match winner records not more than a goal margin win.
Also, if Chile fails to obtain more than a two-goal margin victory over whipping girls, Thailand, then in the final standings the Super Falcons will surely finish ahead of them.
If Chile wins massively against Thailand (let’s say 4-0), they’ll go ahead of Nigeria on goal difference and it’ll rely on how the meeting between Cameroon and New Zealand
This is because of VAR, many have argued. Referees ‘ overzealousness has resulted them to depend on video support for each marginal call.
The current standings of 3rd-placed teams
- Brazil (6 points, +3 goal difference)
- China PR (4 points, 0 goal difference)
- Nigeria (3 points, -2 goal difference)
- Argentina (2 points, -1 goal difference)
- Cameroon (0 point, -3 goal difference)
- Chile (0 point, -5 goal difference)
