The FIFA Women's World Cup currently taking place in France is approaching the end of it's first stage and teams are not leaving any stone unturned in a bit to keep their dream of winning the tournament alive. While they've been some funny score lines like the 13-0 ignominious defeat Thailand suffered in the hands of USA, other encounters have witnessed lots of uncertain moments. One of those tough games was between France and Norway on Wednesday.

Both teams are in group A and went against each other after their comfortable first match wins. While the host France had no problem in dislodging Korea Republic 4-0 in their previous game, Norway also took no chances in brushing the Super Falcons of Nigeria aside in a game that saw Norway fly to a 3-0 win. And that confidence from their first wins added gusto to the ladies, and trust me, you need to go watch the France vs Norway duel if you missed it.

So how did the game go?

Well, frankly speaking, I didn't see France struggling in the game, especially because of how they humbled Korea Republic in their first game. Also, I was thinking the absence of Norway's best player in the person of Ada was gonna affect their impact against a highflying team like France. However, when the game kicked off, Norway took the game to the host and weren't worried about the mammoth French crowd. First half saw France struggling to play the game their way, as Norway went hard on the favorites.

Though the game later ended 2-1 in favour of the host, they indeed owe gratitude to luck and the liveliness of Valerie Guavin. The game had ended without a goal at halftime, but France managed to leave Nice with win over a resilient Norway side. It took a well taken spot-kick by Eugenie Le Sommer to put the host back in the lead after Wendie Renard scored an own goal. The win puts France on top of the group and at the brink of qualifying to the knockout stages of the competition. Norway will need to defeat Korea Republic in their last group game if they must stand a chance of qualifying as runners up. On the other side, France only need a draw against the African champions to top the group and they are clearly the favorites.

Let's Take a Little Look at what Transpired between NIGERIA vs KOREA REPUBLIC

In the other Group A match that took place between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Korea Republic women, the African champions emerged victorious to keep their hope of progressing to the next stage alive. Nigeria remains the team that have suffered the most defeats(17) in the FIFA Women's World Cup and they were not ready to allow Koreans increase that tally for them. It's also worthy of mention that before the game started, The Super Falcons have never won their second match in the group stage. It was a must win match for them and they took no chances in nailing it when it mattered the most.

Despite Yoon Dukyeo making two changes to the Korean women's team that faced France, the introduction of Kang Chaerim and Lee Mina had little or no impact in the team. The Super Falcon's coach on the other end also made few changes to the team that started against Norway, and it worked for him this time. South Korea had made Nigeria's quest easier after a mix up at the back line saw them net an own goal to put the African Champions on a 1-0 lead.

With about 15 minutes left in the clock, Nigeria netted a second goal to put the game beyond the reach of the Asian side. The Barcelona forward Oshoala proved why she is one of the best players in Africa by using her strength and pace to roll the ball past Hwang. The goal went a long way to die the hope of Korea Republic getting a point from the match, and further makes their Chances of qualification to the next round a bit tougher. Despite fighting on and even hitting the woodwork, it was not just enough to turn the table in their favour. The game ended 2-0 in favour of the Super Falcons.

They will now have to play against the host on Monday, and must win the game if they must stand a chance of progressing to the next round. France is obviously one of the favorites to win the tournament, and the African champions know they have a mountain to climb. Norway on the side, will surely be the favorites against the Korean side that is yet to get a draw or win thus far, and will take no chances in dislodging the Asian side to keep their hopes high.