France captain Amandine Henry came to the rescue as the hosts scraped into the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Brazil after extra-time at Le Havre.
The victory on Sunday set up for the hosts a likely clash with holders the U.S. who take on Spain on Monday in Reims.
Henry found the back of the net in the 107th minute of a tense game at the Stade Oceane after Thaisa had cancelled out Valerie Gauvin’s second half opener.
Les Bleues struggled to make their early domination count due to the lack of a killer instinct that prevented them wrapping up victory inside 90 minutes.
With Brazil’s veteran Formiga returning to the starting line-up, the South Americans appeared to suffer physically as France stamped their authority on a foul-ridden match.
Les Bleues, however, lacked sharpness up front until the 26th minute when Gauvin fired home from Kadidiatou Diani’s cross.
But the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled the striker headed the ball out of goalkeeper Barbara’s hands.
The decision deflated France and coach Corinne Diacre’s players were less aggressive, allowing Brazil to grow into the game.
The French were back in business after the break though.
The Diani-Gauvin duo struck again with the Montpellier forward latching onto a cross from the winger to open the scoring in the 52nd minute.
Brazil came close to an equaliser four minutes later when France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi tipped a Cristiane header onto the bar.
But the leveller came in the 63rd minute when Thaisa beat Bouhaddi with a low cross-shot.
However, the goal was only allowed following a VAR review, after first being denied by referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin.
Brazil had the upper hand but France, who still threatened through Diani, held on to force extra time.
Les Bleues now looked fresher but at the end of a quick counter-attack by Brazil, Debihna shot past Bouhaddi.
However, Griedge Mbock cleared the ball away from the goalline.
Shortly after the restart in the extra period, Diani won a free kick on the left flank.
It was whipped into the box by Amel Majri and diverted into the net by Henry for the winner.
Meanwhile, England marched into the quarter-finals after a 3-0 victory over Cameroon on Sunday.
But they got the victory in a dramatic match that was overshadowed by the African side’s anger towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) over several decisions.
The referee appeared to lose her grip of the contest as the Cameroon players showed their anger at decisions.
England took the lead in the 14th minute when Steph Houghton drilled the ball low into the right corner from an indirect free kick inside the penalty area.
This was after Cameroon goalkeeper Annette Ndom collected a backpass from defender Augustine Ejangue.
Forward Ellen White then scored her fourth goal of the tournament as she collected a pass from defender Lucy Bronze to fire home.
VAR confirmed that she was not offside after the goal was initially disallowed.
That incensed Cameroon’s players who appeared to almost refuse to restart the contest as they argued with the referee in the middle of the pitch.
They furiously pointed to the screen in the stadium which showed the replay.
The match continued after coach Alan Djeumfa managed to calm his players.
But more anger was to follow in the second half after Ajara Nchout scored to reduce the deficit.
The forward’s goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review, leaving her close to tears amid more protests.
England added a third through defender Alex Greenwood, who swept in a first-time effort from a well-worked corner kick in the 58th minute to rub salt into the wounds.
Cameroon’s Alexandra Takounda was then lucky to be shown only a yellow card for a stamp on Houghton in the dying seconds.
Team captain Gabrielle Onguene avoided punishment for screaming at the referee as well as the injured player.
England meet Norway in Le Havre in the last eight round after the Scandinavians beat Australia on penalties on Saturday.
