England have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in Brisbane this morning.
Lauren James was sent-off for standing on Michelle Alozie in a goalless 90 minutes before England saw out extra-time to force a penalty shootout. The Lionesses netted four of their five spot kicks to safely secure their place in the last-eight.
England went into the game as favourites but Nigeria are not at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 to make up the numbers and The Super Falcons hit the bar with their first meaningful effort. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre took aim from 20 yards and her effort thumped the bar. The same player then forced a save out of England keeper Mary Earps moments later.
At the other end, Alessia Russo fired at Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie when presented with a half-chance before Rachel Daly couldn’t squeeze the ball home after a corner kick had caused havoc in the box.
Daly was soon claiming a foul in the area after coming under pressure from Rasheedat Ajibade but VAR determined that no offence had been committed.
Nigeria rattled the bar for a second time after the half-time interval, Uchenna Kanu was unlucky with a header.
Chances were few and far between in the second period. Daly and Russo both saw headers saved by Nnadozie later in the half before England were dealt a blow of their own making when James was sent-off for standing on Alozie.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the game went into extra-time. Nigeria looked like the team more likely to score but Alozie scuffed an effort wide when in a great position before Assist Oshoala fired at Earps in the second period of additional time.
In the penalty shootout, Georgia Stanway missed her kick but Beth England, Daly, Alex Greenwood and Kelly all scored from the spot as the Lionesses scraped through.
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