England edge out Nigeria on penalties to join Australia in World Cup quarter-finals

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·7 August 2023

England edge out Nigeria on penalties to join Australia in World Cup quarter-finals

The action of the 2023 World Cup continued to deliver as England narrowly edged their way into the quarter-finals on penalties. The Lionesses beat Nigeria in the shootout after playing 120 minutes without a single goal on the board.

Co-hosts Australia also punched their ticket into the next round after a 2-0 win over Sweden. Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso scored the goals to see the Matildas into the quarters, where they will face either France or Morocco.

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England (4) 0-0 (2) Nigeria

In a thrilling game for the neutrals, England narrowly scraped past Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals. A disappointing display from the Lionesses saw Nigeria dominate the tie almost from the off. With the Super Falcons first to every ball and physically dominating Sarina Wiegman’s side, England were unable to replicate their impressive performance against China in the group stage. Further adding to England’s woes, Lauren James’ reckless foul on Michelle Alozie saw Wiegman’s side reduced to ten players.

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Despite the Lionesses struggling to find a foothold in the game, Nigeria were unable to capitalise on the advantage, with the game requiring extra time and penalties to decide a winner. With the Super Falcons missing their opening two spot-kicks, Chloe Kelly was once again able to secure the victory with England’s fourth penalty.

Wiegman’s side will face either Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals with plenty of work to do as they head into the final eight.

Australia 2-0 Denmark

Cruising into the quarter-finals, Australia pulled off an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark. An early goal from Caitlin Foord got the goalscoring action underway before Hayley Raso capped off the evening for Tony Gustavsson’s side.

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The Matildas comfortable win will see the co-hosts play either Morocco or France with the two sides facing off tomorrow. Creating just two big chances throughout the game, Australia will look to improve their creativity in the box as they head into the last eight. The defeat sees Denmark bow out of their fifth World Cup, falling just short of equalling their best finish.