A football match instantaneously becomes more dramatic as soon as it reaches the penalty shootout stage. On Monday, the English team took over the Nigerian team in round 16 of the Women’s FIFA World Cup. The electrifying match took place in the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
After a 0-0 scorecard, the match was extended to the penalty shootouts. However, this was not the most dramatic moment of the match. The most memorable moment was the dismissal of Lauren James. During the closing minutes of the match, Lauren Elizabeth James was given a red card for “intentionally” stepping on Michelle Alonzie’s back. This triggered widespread outrage amongst the fans of both sides.
While some were siding with the Nigerian player, some were siding with the English player. Nonetheless, the deed was done, and Lauren James was dismissed with a red card. This affected the English numbers, as the team was only left with 10 players. Still, the team managed to hold off Nigerian attacks and managed to carry over the match to penalty shootouts. Therefore, extending the drama of the match.
Penalty Shootout Highlights
After winning the toss, England chose to be the first team to take the strike, while Nigeria defended. Georgia Stanway took the first strike, however, she missed her target by kicking wide.
Nigeria’s Oparanozie took the second strike. However, she also shot the ball too wide and missed the shot.
Next came Beth England; with a precise shot, she managed to score the first penalty goal. Therefore, making the score England 1-0 Nigeria.
Things looked dire for the Nigerians when Alozie took the strike and missed. Therefore the score remains the same.
Next came England’s Rachel Daly. She manages to connect a goal by smashing the ball at the top left corner of the net. Making the score England 2-0 Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Ajibade followed Daly. after a string of disappointing shoots, Ajibade scored the first goal for the team.
Soon enough, Greenwood answered Nigeria’s goal with another goal. This made the scoreboard England 3-1 Nigeria.
Next came Nigeria’s Uchiebe. She looked calm and took the strike with equal calmness. This paid off, and the score became England 3-2 Nigeria. Finally came Chloe Kelly, and she scored the fourth and final goal for the English team and carried her team through to the quarter-finals.
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