Calay News
After a goalless draw during regulation time and extra time, the outcome of the match came in a penalty shootout, where Nigeria missed two key shots. The showdown took place in Brisbane before an audience of 50,000.
Chloe Kelly, interviewed by the BBC after the match, praised the English team, highlighting their fighting spirit and their ability to overcome challenges in previous competitions such as the Euro Cup. Given this result, England will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the confrontation between Colombia and Jamaica, which will take place next Tuesday in Brisbane.
Despite having one more player in extra time due to England’s Lauren James being sent off in the 87th minute, the Nigerians dominated much of the match but failed to capitalize on their superiority on the scoreboard. James, a key figure in England’s attack, was sent off for a foul at the end of regulation time and will sit out of the next quarterfinal match.
The penalty shootout began with a deflected shot from Georgia Stanway for England, followed by a miss by Desire Oparanozie for Nigeria. Throughout the shootout, Beth England scored for England, while Michelle Alozie sent her Nigerian shot over the crossbar, giving England a crucial lead. Chloe Kelly sealed the victory with the final shot.
Although England, known as “The Lionesses,” were the favorites in this matchup against Nigeria, the African team proved to be a tougher opponent than expected. England manager Sarina Wiegman highlighted her team’s unity and determination to overcome adversity, especially after the dismissal of a key player.
For his part, the Nigerian coach, Randy Waldrum, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance and emphasized his ability to face any opponent in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Despite not achieving the desired result in this match, the coach praised the effort and opportunities generated by his team during the match.
