England have qualified for the quarter-final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 4-2 penalty win over Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The game had ended in a goalless after regulation time and extra time. Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie failed to convert their spot kicks which saw the Three Lioness move past the Africans.
England began the game the brighter side and were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute but the referee’s decision was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee ruling that Rasheedat Ajibade’s challenge on forward Rachel Daly was legal.
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The Falcons gradually got into the game and had some of the best chances of the game with Ashley Plumtre and Michelle Alozie seeing their attempts hit the woodwork.
Despite having the bulk of the possession in extra time, Nigeria failed to capitalize on the one-man advantage they had after Lauren James was sent off in the 87th minute over a dangerous stamp on Michelle Alozie.
With both sides failing the score after 90 minutes, the game was forced into extra time, which ended goalless.
England will face either Colombia or Japan in the quarter-final.
