Germany were the first to reach the quarter finals as Alexandra Popp set them on their way against Nigeria with a goal on her 100th cap, then Norway edged ten-player Australia on penalties.
Norway make Matildas pay the penalty
Australia scored late on to force extra-time but then had Alanna Kennedy sent off and Norway won the shoot-out 4-1.
Sam Kerr hit the side-netting in the opening seconds but Norway took the lead when Karina Saevik’s perfect pass set up Isabell Herlovsen for a fine finish.
More VAR action saw the penalty given against Maria Thorisdottir for handball rescinded by the referee and when Kerr seem to have equalised on the hour mark, it was ruled out for offside,
Elise Kellond-Knight’s corner went through a crowded goalmouth to level the tie with 7 minutes to go but Kennedy dismissed on 104 minutes for denying Lisa-Marie Utland a goal-scoring opportunity.
Vilde Boe Risa was thwarted by Lydia Williams and the woodwork on separate occasions, as penalties became required.
Kerr put the Matildas first over the bar, Hjelmseth saved Emily Gielnik’s and Ingrid Systad Engen eventually netted the decider.
The Norwegians now await the winners of England versus Cameroon.
Centurion Popp sets up Germany win
The tie hinged on two VAR decisions in a seven-minute spell midway through the first half and both favoured Germany.
Popp headed in a corner with Svenja Huth in an offside position but deemed not to be interfering with play.
Evelyn Nwabuoku got much more of Lina Magull than the ball in an attempted clearance and Sara Dabritz confidently put away the resulting penalty.
Desire Oparanozie was just short of connecting with Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross-shot at the far post, before a defensive error was pounced upon by Lea Schuller for a clincial finish inside the last 10 minutes.
Germany will now face the winners of the last sixteen tie between Sweden and Canada.
