Things you might have missed as England's Lionesses scrape past Nigeria on penalties
England and Australia both progressed to the quarter-final of the Women’s World Cup on Monday, though they could not have done so in more contrasting circumstances.
The Lionesses struggled against Nigeria, requiring a penalty shootout to down their unheralded opponents after Lauren James’ red card towards the end of normal time.
But it was much more straightforward for the hosts, with Australia impressing in a 2-0 win over Denmark.
On the penultimate day of last 16 action Down Under, here are some of the key talking points from an intriguing day.
England’s first WWC shootout success
The dreaded penalty shootout has often been the scourge of England when it comes to major international tournaments.
And, while the Lionesses beat Brazil from the spot in the Finalissima, their previous Women’s World Cup shootout ended in disappointment.
Late misses for Claire Rafferty and Faye White saw England lose to France in the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup, and this was the Lionesses first shootout at this stage since then.
Nerves ramped up when Georgia Stanway missed the very opening spotkick, but two Nigerian misses were coupled with successful attempts from Beth England, Alex Greenwood and Rachel Daly.
And Euros hero Chloe Kelly fired home what was the winning penalty, sending England through the last 16 and sealing a first ever penalties triumph for her nation at this level.
Nigeria miss chance to make history
No African team has ever made the last eight of a Women’s World Cup, and Nigeria were a penalty shootout away from making significant history Down Under.
The Super Eagles were the better team on the day, Ashleigh Plumptre having two good chances to score in the first half, with Michelle Alozie among those also close to
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