Norway beat Australia on tiebreaker to move into WC quarters

Elise Kellond-Knights' stunning goal was not enough for Australia as Norway won on penalties here on Saturday to step into FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw after the regular time and failed to score in the extra time. Then Norway managed all their four attempts on target in the penalty shootout while Australia just made one out of three.

It was their third meeting in World Cups after both sides finished second in the group stage of France 2019.

The Aussie had a strong start, trying to use their tempo to a good effect.

But it was the Norwegians that broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Isabell Herlovsen gathered a long pass from Karina Saevik, looping it over an on-rushing goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

This was Herlovsenr's second goal in the knockout stage. In 2007, she scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 quarterfinal win against the then host China.

Australia were awarded a penalty before the halftime for Maria Thorisdottir's handball but it was eventually canceled by VAR.

The Aussies found the net in the 59th minute but was correctly flagged offside when Sam Kerr mistimed her run before firing home.

Australia put the leveler with a spectacular corner kick from Kellond-Knight that flew in without any help from anyone in the box. There were plenty of chances to clear the ball but the Norwegians were just a shade too slow to react.

Caroline Graham Hansen scared the Aussies in the stoppages as she cut inside from the left and unleashed a missile that hit the upright with Williams well beaten.

Norway dominated the first half in the extra time when Vilde Boe Risa's shot was palmed away before Williams flew to beat away Hansen's another attempt.

Australia were one player down in the 104th minute when Alanna Kennedy tripped down Lisa-Marie Utland.

Norway besieged Australia later on yet couldn't find the net and the game end up with 1-1 after the extra time.

The 1995 champions will travel to Le Havre to wait for the victor between England and Cameroon.

In an early fixture, Germany enjoyed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nigeria. A pair of strikes from Alexandra Popp and Sara Daebritz's penalty put the two-time champions firmly in charge before the halftime, and Lea Schueller sealed the win after the break.

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