England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties): The Lionesses advance to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after Lauren James was sent off
England survived a scare, defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties and advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals against Colombia or Jamaica after a goalless draw.
Bethany England, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly all scored in Brisbane as England overcame Lauren James’s regular-time dismissal and progressed.
Georgia Stanway and Desire Oparanozie sent their first penalties wide before Michelle Alozie also missed the target to allow Nigeria to relinquish control to England.
Four of the remaining 90 minutes, James was sent off for a reckless stomp, placing Alozie in the back.
The 21-year-old Chelsea forward was England’s star player in the group stage, scoring the winner against Norway and scoring twice in the 6-1 win over China, but was tied down well by Nigeria and allowed her frustration to boil over.
James was initially shown a yellow card, but it was turned into a red card after referee Melissa Borjas checked her pitchside monitor on VAR’s recommendation.
England were forced to take penalties after being sent off to avoid another big upset at a tournament that had already seen former winners USA and Germany and Brazil eliminated early on. James will miss the quarterfinals against him on Saturday.
Nigeria surpassed England in the 90th minute, hitting the bar twice and coming out on top in extra time, although both sides were visibly tired.
Alessio Russo and Daly both made smart saves against goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while England were awarded a first-half penalty for a jab at Daly – which was overturned after Borjas checked her monitor.
England remain among the favorites at the tournament, while Nigeria became the first African country to attempt to win a knockout game at the finals.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/england-vs-nigeria-womens-world-cup-2023-result-b1099059.html England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties): The Lionesses advance to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after Lauren James was sent off
