England advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after surviving a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties.
The Lionesses had to hang on with 10 players for extra time after Lauren James was sent off for a petulant stamp on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, which put the European champions under huge pressure.
Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks, with Desire Oparanozie and Alozie failing to hit the target. Bethany England and Rachel Daly then gave the Lionesses the advantage, after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty of the shoot-out.
Alex Greenwood held her nerve to convert and put the Lionesses a penalty away, before Chloe Kelly was England’s hero once again to score the winning kick.
The victory keeps England’s hopes of the winning the World Cup alive, but this will go down as narrow escape.
