Germany make 8th straight WC quarters after win over Nigeria

Germany advanced to their eighth consecutive quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup as the two-time champions comfortably won over Nigeria 3-0 here on Saturday.

Skipper Alexandra Popp's backward header opened scoring on 20 minutes after Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita consulted with the VAR and ruled "no offside" in the Wolfsburg striker's buildup to Lina Magull's corner.

Seven minutes later, Sara Daebritz converted in a controversial penalty to extend Germany's lead, after the referee confirmed Evelyn Nwabuoku's challenge on Lina Magull to be a foul.

The game, which is the final one hosted by Stade des Alpes at France 2019, marked Popp's 100th appearance.

With just eight minutes from time, Essen forward Lea Schueller scored her first goal of the tournament, using an error committed by the Nigerian defender to seal the victory.

Having won the previous seven encounters against the Super Falcons, Germany came into the round of 16 match following a strong display in Group B.

The fast and strong Nigeria, on the other hand, remained dangerous and they tried to play some counter-attacks in the second half, but their final dashes all went to miss the moment.

Nigeria striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, who plays for China's Henan Huishang WFC, fought fiercely to try to break Germany's defense before she's carried off the pitch due to injury.

With the victory, Germany head into the quarterfinals in Rennes a week later, facing the winners between Sweden and Canada.

Furthermore, the DFB Frauen came out the only team besides the United States not to have conceded in this tournament so far.