Norway set up potential quarter-final tie with England with win over Australia, Germany thrash Nigeria

The first matches in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup got started on Saturday.

Germany faced Nigeria while Norway locked horns with Australia. Check out what happened below!

Norway 1-1 (4-1 pens) Australia

Norway will face England or Cameroon in the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Australia on penalties.

Isabell Herlovsen put Norway ahead but Australia were given a penalty which was overturned following a lengthy video assistant referee review.

But the game went to extra-time when Elise Kellond-Knight scored directly from a corner, before Alanna Kennedy was sent off before the shootout.

Australia’s star player Sam Kerr skied her penalty, with Norway winning 4-1 and they could face Phil Neville’s side in Le Havre on Thursday night.

Germany 3-0 Nigeria

Germany became the first nation to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup but the VAR debate dominated again in their 3-0 win over Nigeria.

The Germans have now qualified for the last eight at every edition of the tournament and this is the third time they have done so without conceding a goal.

However, there was some controversy over Alexandra Popp’s 20th-minute opener on her 100th appearance.

The unmarked striker headed home a corner from four yards out but the goal was referred to the video assistant referee as Svenja Huth, in an offside position, was in front of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

However, on-field referee Yoshimi Yamashita deemed Huth was not interfering.

The Japanese official then required VAR to come to her aid just before the half-hour as her original decision to award a throw-in was overturned in favour of a penalty as Evelyn Nwabuoku had caught Lina Magull with her follow-through from a clearance.

Germany defender Giulia Gwinn’s booking for a feisty challenge was then checked for a case of mistaken identity as VAR continued to be heavily involved.

Seven minutes from time Lea Schuller added the third, capitalising on some loose Nigeria possession with a clinical, first-time finish.

England can seal their place in the quarter-finals with a win over Cameroon on Sunday – a match you can listen to LIVE on talkSPORT.