2023-08-07 12:54:02
The English, European champions, qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup, after the penalty shootout against the Nigerians (0-0, 4 tab to 2), Monday August 7 in Brisbane.
Published on: 08/07/2023 – 12:54 Modified on: 08/07/2023 – 12:56
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Tied 0-0 after regulation time and extra time, the two teams were forced into a penalty shootout where the Super Falcons missed two attempts with Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie. Still, England got off to a terrible start in the penalty shootout when Georgia Stanway put the ball wide.
feed regrets
During this meeting, it was the Nigerians who seemed the most dangerous and they scared the European champions on several occasions. Ashleigh Plumptre had two golden chances to open the scoring on 16 minutes when a strike from outside the box crashed into the crossbar. A minute later, she forced a nice diving save from Mary Earps.
The Nigerians had eight shots in the first half, three more than England, whose best chance came from Alessia Russo in the 23rd minute. The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with England dominating possession but Nigeria looking more dangerous. The Super Falcons can harbor regrets as the English were reduced to 10 after the expulsion of Lauren James in the 88ᵉ minute. Michelle Alozie wasted their best chance during extra time (97ᵉ).
The Nigerians have shown during this World Cup that they have the game to challenge anyone. They stunned hosts Australia in the group stage, capitalizing on their speed in transition to score a 3-2 victory.
The Super Falcons leave the competition without having lost against Canada (0-0), Australia (3-2 victory) and England (in 120 minutes). They only missed one goal to equal their best performance at a World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals as in 1999.
The English, fourth in the world ranking of Fifa, go to the next round through the back door, but they will be content with it. They will face in the quarterfinals the winner of the match between Colombia and Jamaica, opponents Tuesday, August 7 in Brisbane.
The reaction of Sarina Wiegman coach of the England team : “It was a very, very difficult game, we took a red card but we were solid during extra time and we won on penalties. I’m very proud of the team and the way they performed.”
The reaction of Randy Waldrum, coach of the Nigeria team “We had chances to win but unfortunately we couldn’t convert them. (…) We had the best chances, we hit the crossbar twice. We were a bit unlucky not to score a goal. (…) But we must recognize that England is a great team”.
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