VAR stealing headlines as women's World Cup heads into knockout phase

The real competition is only just beginning as the women's World Cup heads into the knockout phase with hosts France and holders the United States -- the two favourites -- on a collision course to meet in the quarter-finals.

Progress through the group phase has been largely serene for both sides, although a knock to star striker Alex Morgan has given the USA some cause for concern before their last-16 tie against Spain on Monday.

There have been plenty of positives to take from the two weeks of competition so far, but there has also been controversy stemming from the use of Video Assistant Referees.

The VAR again came to the fore in the USA's 2-0 win over Sweden on Thursday, with Jonna Andersson's second-half own goal in Le Havre somehow standing despite substitute Carli Lloyd appearing to interfere with the play from an offside position in the build-up.

- Law changes wreak havoc -
- Star turns -
"Without doubt, qualifying for the World Cup has been a big step forward for us, but it must just be the start. We need to open the doors to little girls in Chile."
- Empty seats -