England’s Lionesses managed to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after a tense penalty shootout victory against Nigeria. Despite being down to 10 players due to Lauren James’ red card, England overcame the challenge and earned their place in the last eight. Georgia Stanway missed the first penalty for England, but Nigeria faltered in their attempts, allowing Chloe Kelly to seal the win with a powerful kick.
The match was a nerve-wracking experience for England fans, as the team struggled throughout the 120 minutes against a determined Nigerian side. Lauren James’ red card added further pressure, forcing England to navigate extra time with a numerical disadvantage. Nigeria executed their gameplan perfectly, frustrating England and posing a significant threat on the counter-attack.
Nigeria hit the crossbar twice during the game, displaying their attacking prowess. England had a penalty appeal overturned by VAR, and their performance lacked the fluidity seen in previous matches. Nevertheless, they showed resilience and determination to secure the victory in the penalty shootout.
Despite the win, England will face challenges in the next round without the services of Lauren James, who will miss the quarter-finals due to suspension. Her absence will be felt, as she has been their top scorer in the tournament.
Nigeria can leave the competition with their heads held high, having impressed throughout the tournament and pushing England to their limits. While they couldn’t find the clinical touch needed to secure victory, they made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the knockout stage.
The Lionesses’ victory comes after the USA, the back-to-back champions, were knocked out of the competition, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament. England’s triumph showcases the resilience and determination they have developed under coach Sarina Wiegman’s leadership since her arrival in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Penalty shootout
1. How did England secure their spot in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals?
England secured their spot in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals through a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria, despite being down to 10 players after Lauren James’ red card.
2. What was the final score of the match between England and Nigeria?
The match ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of play, leading to a penalty shootout where England emerged victorious.
3. Who scored the winning penalty for England?
Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty for England in the shootout, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
4. How did Nigeria perform in the match?
Nigeria put on an impressive performance, frustrating England and creating several scoring opportunities. They hit the crossbar twice but couldn’t find the clinical touch to secure a victory.
5. What was the impact of Lauren James’ red card on England?
Lauren James’ red card meant that England had to play extra time with 10 players. Her absence in the quarter-finals due to suspension will be a significant loss, as she has been their leading scorer in the tournament.
6. What historic achievement did Nigeria accomplish in the tournament?
Nigeria became the first African nation to reach the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup, leaving the competition with their heads held high.
7. How did England show resilience in the match?
Despite facing tough challenges and being largely second best to Nigeria, England displayed resilience and determination, ultimately securing the win in the penalty shootout.
8. How did England’s performance compare to their previous matches?
England’s performance in this match lacked the fluidity they displayed in their impressive victory against China. Nevertheless, they showed fighting spirit to progress to the next round.
9. What impact does this victory have on England’s prospects in the tournament?
England’s victory boosts their confidence and places them in the quarter-finals, where they will face a tough challenge against either Colombia or Jamaica.
10. What was the significance of this match for women’s football in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s performance and progression to the knockout stage could have “significant implications” for the development of women’s football in the country, according to their manager, Randy Waldrum.
9 comments
wow, Lauren James was a real game changer. shame she got a red card. england betta step up deir game for da next round!
england’s lionesses did it! epic shootout wictory ova Nigeria. can’t believe dey won with 10 playas afta james’ red card. so nail-biting!
congrats england! tough match against Nigeria. da competition is fire dis time. can’t wait to see more action! #WomensWorldCup
OMG, that game was INTENSE! nigeria almost won it, but england held on! dis cup is cray cray, man! lionesses FTW!
nail-biting game! my heart was racing da whole time. glad england made it to da quarters. now, let’s see what’s next!
OMG, england vs nigeria was INTENSE! james’ red card 🙁 but they fought hard! kudos 2 kelly 4 savin d day! can’t wait 4 d quarter-finals!
england scraped through 2 d quarter-finals w/ dramatic penalty shootout victory ovr nigeria! red card 4 james was a downer, but kelly’s goal saved d day. excitin match!
england’s win ovr nigeria in d penalty shootout was nail-biting! james’ red card drama, nigeria’s strong performance, wow! bring on d quarters!
england’s womens’ team got lucky dis time. nigeria played sooo well, dey deserved more. but hey, dat’s footbl, unpredictable!