Women’s World Cup: England reach quarter-finals as VAR dominates Cameroon clash
Written by News on 24/06/2019
England have reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after beating Cameroon 3-0 during a heated clash in France.
Captain Steph Houghton put the Lionesses ahead after 14 minutes at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.
A Cameroon back pass had allowed Toni Duggan to tee-up a strike for Houghton from an indirect free kick.
The African side’s defender Augustine Ejangue appeared to spit on Duggan’s arm as she appealed for the back pass, but it is unclear if it was deliberate and no action was taken.
Extraordinary scenes followed later in the match when Cameroon reacted with fury to two VAR decisions that went against them.
Ellen White’s finish in first half stoppage time was ruled out for offside, only for the decision to be overturned.
Cameroon’s players remonstrated at length with the officials and there appeared to be some doubt over whether they would resume playing.
Cameroon forward Ajara Nchout later fired the ball into England’s net but a VAR review led to the effort being ruled offside.
The game was held up once more as Cameroon made further angry protests, with Nchout in tears.
England survived some scares soon after, but extended their advantage with Alex Greenwood’s finish in the 59th minute.
Referee Qin Liang made another VAR check following a Ysis Sonkeng challenge on England’s Fran Kirby, with no penalty being given.
The win means England will play in a quarter-final clash with Norway on Thursday at 8pm UK time in Le Havre.
(c) Sky News 2019: Women’s World Cup: England reach quarter-finals as VAR dominates Cameroon clash
