Lucky England Beat Nigeria On Penalties To Stay In Women's World Cup
England have reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup for a fifth time.
The Lionesses beat Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Monday after being outplayed by the African team over 120 minutes of goalless soccer.
England had luck on their side as Nigeria twice rattled the crossbar during the opening 47 minutes in Brisbane.
England's players pictured celebrating after beating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
IMAGO/Pro Sports Images/Nigel Keene
Sarina Wiegman's side threatened occasionally at the other end and were initially awarded a penalty kick in the first half after Rasheedat Ajibade was adjudged to have fouled Rachel Daly.
However, a VAR review saw that penalty revoked.
Another VAR check resulted in the European champions being reduced to 10 players in the 87th minute.
Lauren James was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after standing on the backside of Michelle Alozie as the Nigeria player lay on the ground.
But England held on for penalties despite their numerical disadvantage.
England's players and coaches pictured before Monday's penalty shootout
IMAGO/News Images/Patrick Hoelscher
Georgia Stanway fired wide from England's first spot-kick, but Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie then also missed the target.
Beth England slammed a powerful shot down the middle to put the Lionesses in front, before Alozie ballooned her penalty high over the bar.
Daly's spot-kick was brilliant and put England in control.
Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe were then both on target for Nigeria but it was England who prevailed after Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly found the net.
Chloe Kelly (no.18) and Alex Greenwood both converted their penalties
IMAGO/PA Images/Isabel Infantes
James - who is England's leading scorer, having netted three goals during the group stage - will be suspended when the Lionesses face either Colombia or Jamaica in the last eight on Saturday.
