England narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in Women’s World Cup history with a win over Nigeria in a tense penalty-kick shootout
After a goalless 120 minutes in the round of 16, England advanced to the quarterfinals by converting its final four penalty kicks after the usually reliable Georgia Stanway missed the first. Nigeria, meanwhile, missed its first two from the spot that doomed its efforts from the start of the shootout. Just like in England’s European triumph last year, Chloe Kelly played the hero with the winning tally.
Fans of the Three Lionesses will be relieved to have advanced, yet massive concerns remain after yet another tepid World Cup performance in Australia, where they are considered the title favorites.
KELLY WINS IT FOR ENGLAND 💪
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 7, 2023
🏴: ❌✅✅✅✅
🇳🇬: ❌❌✅✅ pic.twitter.com/5hJnXW7XX4
Looking to repeat its 1999 run to the quarterfinals, Nigeria put up a stiff resistance to England’s sputtering attack. Nigeria’s best chance of the match came in just the 16th minute when USC alumna Ashleigh Plumptre hit the crossbar. The Leicester City defender, who played for England up until the U-23 level, rocketed a shot from outside the box that beat Mary Earps before rattling the crossbar.
Later in the first half, England looked to have a penalty opportunity after the match official signaled to the spot after Rachel Daly was sent to the ground inside the box. But after a lengthy VAR review, the call was reversed as things remained scoreless.
The match was turned on its head in the 87th minute when rising England star Lauren James was sent off with a straight red card. The Chelsea phenom was origianaly issued a yellow for a brief clash with Michelle Alozie, but upon a VAR review, James was seen stomping on the back of Alozie while the Houston Dash forward was on the ground. The match official then annulled the yellow and sent James off with a red, cutting England down to 10 players.
Lauren James is seeing red and will be sent off 🟥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 7, 2023
The Lionesses are now down to 10 players! pic.twitter.com/5xatvleQQj
In the quarterfinals, England will face the winner of tomorrow’s match between Colombia and Jamaica.
