England v Nigeria went to extra-time after an extremely nervy 90 minutes – with some of those spent with just 10 women on the pitch after a Lauren James red card
England have made it through to the quarter finals of the Women’s World Cup.
The European Champions triumphed on penalties after a 0-0 draw with Nigeria, with Chloe Kelly smashing home the decisive penalty for a 4-2 win in the shootout. England missed their first penalty when Georgia Stanway fired wide, but Beth England and Rachel Daly slotted home.
Rasheedat Ajibade gave the Super Falcons hope when she beat Mary Earps. But Alex Greenwood and Kelly kept their nerve to send England back to the quarter finals. The Lionesses were rocked by Nigeria’s skill and their hopes of a quarter-final dipped further when Lauren James was sent off in the 87th minute.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were forced to extra time by the Super Falcons after a superb display from Randy Waldrum’s side and a below-par performance from the Lionesses. The Nigerians had outplayed the European Champions for large parts of the 120 minutes prior to the shootout, but were denied by the woodwork and Mary Earps.