Women’s World Cup, Day 19: England secures nervy quarter-final berth over Nigeria

Football
Published 07.08.2023
Women’s World Cup, Day 19: England secures nervy quarter-final berth over Nigeria

On Day 19 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, two extra excellent groups had been despatched dwelling in dramatic vogue.

The Super Falcons ended their match with a loss to England on penalties. Despite the heartbreak, Nigeria proved it compares to among the world’s top-ranked groups and ought to be pleased with its valiant World Cup marketing campaign.

In Sydney, co-hosts Australia secured a commanding win over Denmark. The Matildas will definitely believe and momentum heading into the quarter-finals.

THE RESULTS

Round of 16: England 0, Nigeria 0 – 4-2 shootout win for England (in Brisbane) – Game stats || Report 

Round of 16: Australia 2, Denmark 0 (in Sydney) – Game stats || Report 

MAIN TALKING POINTS 

Ten-player England eliminates Nigeria on penalties 

In entrance of 49,461 followers in Brisbane, the Lionesses progressed to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup. 

The stadium fell silent as Manchester City star Chloe Kelly stepped as much as the spot. The 25-year-old, who scored the match winner on the Euros final summer time, sealed the deal for the Lionesses as soon as extra.  

Immediately after scoring the successful purpose, Kelly consoled Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had a wonderful match for her nation. Television cameras tried to movie Nnadozie’s emotional second, however Kelly, joined by Alex Greenwood, informed the media to provide the goalie some house. 

Truthfully, the match may have gone both method. During common time, each groups had been examined and performed free-flowing soccer.  

However, the momentum appeared to shift in Nigeria’s favour within the 87th minute. England’s Lauren James acquired a pink card after she carelessly stomped on Michelle Alozie.  

But regardless of having solely 10 gamers on the pitch, the European champions held on and secured the win in a penalty shootout. 

The Super Falcons will really feel laborious carried out by this match, as they performed assured, aggressive and gave it their all. They had probabilities – notably Ashleigh Plumptre’s thunderous strike that hit the crossbar. But Randy Waldrum’s facet proved that they’ll tackle among the world’s greatest groups. They actually made Africa proud and have a vibrant future forward of them. 

England has received three Women’s World Cup spherical of 16 matches in a row and can face the winner of Jamaica-Colombia within the quarters. 

Australia secures passage to quarter-finals after commanding win 

The Matildas superior to the quarter-finals on the Women’s World Cup, proving their dominance on the world’s stage as soon as extra. The victory is Australia’s second win within the World Cup knockout phases. 

After capping off its group stage marketing campaign with a 4-0 win over Canada, which secured a spot within the knockouts, Australia had momentum forward of its assembly with Denmark. 

Tony Gustavsson’s facet broke the impasse 29 minutes in. Mary Fowler’s good go discovered Caitlin Foord, who drilled the ball into the online in entrance of 75,784 followers. After 70 minutes, Real Madrid star Hayley Raso produced a scientific end, which acted as insurance coverage for the Matildas.  

Another second of the match noticed Sam Kerr launched as a late substitute. It was her first look on the match amidst coping with a calf damage. The star striker introduced extra spark and fluidity to her facet. 

However, Denmark deserves credit score for its resilience and drive over a troublesome squad. It’s not simple to play in entrance of hundreds of followers who’re cheering for the house group. 

Looking forward, Australia will face both France or Morocco within the quarters. 

MOMENT OF THE DAY 

In the 87th minute, England’s Lauren James acquired a pink card for stepping on Michelle Alozie. It appeared like a careless second of frustration for the 21-year-old, who was despatched off the pitch, solemn. James has acquired a one-match ban, with a potential extension to be reviewed by FIFA. 

QUOTE OF THE DAY 

“Anything that’s thrown at us, we show what we’re capable of. We dug deep as a group, we believe in our ability and we believe in what we’re being told to do. This team is special. We did it at the Euros, we did it at the Finalissima, and we’re here again tonight doing it.” — England ahead Chloe Kelly

THREE STARS OF THE DAY 

1. Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria: The 22-year-old keeper stored Nigeria’s hopes alive after beautifully saving a robust Rachel Daly strike with quarter-hour remaining. Despite shedding the match on penalties, the Paris FC star made a number of essential saves throughout the match. 

2. Caitlin Foord, Australia: The Arsenal ahead slid the ball by means of the Denmark keeper’s legs within the twenty ninth minute to provide the Matildas a one-goal benefit. Fans erupted within the stands as the house group took the lead heading into halftime. 

3. Pernille Harder, Denmark: Although Denmark was eradicated, the Bayern Munich ahead examined Australia’s keeper on a number of events. Notably, the 30-year-old had an early run, however her low shot was saved by Mackenzie Arnold. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

The remaining two round-of-16 video games kick off tomorrow. Jamaica takes on Colombia at 4 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. PT in Melbourne, and France tackles Morocco at 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT in Adelaide. 

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