The Lionesses of England triumphed against Nigeria Women’s team 4-2 on penalties, advancing to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a goalless draw in Brisbane.
During the last-16 clash, Sarina Wiegman’s team struggled and ended up with 10 players when Lauren James was shown a red card for a controversial stamp on Michelle Alozie.
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Despite being undermanned, England remained strong in extra time and kept their composure during the penalty shootout, securing a place in the final eight, where they will face either Jamaica or Colombia.
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Keira Walsh, a crucial midfielder for the Lionesses, returned from a knee injury, displacing Katie Zelem to the bench.
Born in Leicester, Ashleigh Plumptre’s powerful long-range shot hit the crossbar in the 16th minute, but Nigeria seemed satisfied at halftime.
Soon after, Plumptre was denied by an impressive save from Mary Earps.
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England was relieved when Plumptre’s shot hit the woodwork, but the Super Falcons were lucky when a penalty decision in their favour was controversially overturned by referee Melissa Borjas, who deemed it more of a coming together between the players.
Uchenna Kanu’s header hit the crossbar early in the second half, and both teams had chances in front of the goal.
The game got tense as James received a red card for a stamp on Alozie, leading England to play with 10 players.
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In extra time, Lucy Bronze escaped conceding a penalty despite a challenge on Alozie.
Wiegman’s defenders held strong, and Earps made a crucial save in the 118th minute.
The penalty shootout saw Desire Oparanozie miss for Nigeria and Georgia Stanway miss for England.
Eventually, Chloe Kelly’s powerful penalty secured England’s victory and kept their World Cup hopes alive.
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