Video replay was the MVP for France on Monday.
A contentious VAR decision helped the host nation earn a 1-0 win over Nigeria and secure the top spot in Group A.
After sending an errant penalty off the outside of the post with just over 10 minutes to go in Rennes, French defender Wendie Renard was allowed to retake the spot-kick when teenage goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was adjudged by VAR to have jumped off her line early.
Replays showed she was mere inches off the line when Renard struck the ball.
The ruling about retaking penalties when goalkeepers step off the line before the ball is kicked is ridiculous. If it's blatant, yes, retake the penalty. But if you have to use VAR to see it, ugh no.#NGAFRA #NGA #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/WwdO5U05Gh
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 17, 2019
Given a reprieve, the imposing center-back made no mistake the second time around, ensuring that France finished up the group stage with three wins from as many matches. It's the first time it has ever won all three group games at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the other Group A fixture saw Norway clinch second place with a 2-1 triumph over South Korea.
Nigeria, sitting on three points, will wait to see if that's enough to secure a knockout spot as one of the best third-placed sides. The South Koreans are going home after losing all three matches.