England battled into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ after beating Nigeria in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw at Brisbane Stadium.
The Lionesses had Lauren James sent off late on in normal time but saw out extra time before prevailing in a tense shootout as Chloe Kelly sent her team through to a meeting with Colombia or Jamaica.
Nigeria came close to taking the lead when Ashleigh Plumptre’s left-footed shot from the edge of the area crashed off the bar and she then saw Mary Earps save a follow-up effort after England had failed to clear.
The Lionesses thought they were going to have a chance from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark following Rasheedat Ajibade’s challenge on Rachel Daly but the referee changed her decision following a VAR review.
Uchenna Kanu headed wide from a corner in the second half before Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a fine reaction save to keep out the unmarked Daly’s header from a corner.
James was sent off with three minutes remaining following a VAR review after standing on Michelle Alozie as she got up following a tussle between the two.
Extra time failed to produce a goal before Kelly scored the decisive penalty in the shootout after Nigeria had failed to hit the target with their first two spot-kicks.
Key stat
England have now won three Women’s World Cup Round-of-16 ties in a row.
VISA Player of the Match
Mary Earps (England)
Quotes
It’s amazing. 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. We keep pushing forward. There’s more to come from this special team. Chloe Kelly, England
Happy heart. Obviously just happy we got the job done in the end and onto the next one. I think all wins are significant and obviously you’re trying to get as far in the competition as possible. Nigeria played really, really well and I don’t think we were at our best. We went down to 10 and it was a tough, tough game for us but I’m buzzing we got the job done. Mary Earps, England, VISA Player of the Match
