- Red Card Drama: England Advances to Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals
- Lionesses Triumph in Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nigeria
- Tenacious England Overcomes Challenges to Secure Quarterfinal Spot
Lauren James, of England, was sent off for stamping on her falling opponent and expelled from the penalty shootout.
The Lionesses have advanced to the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria.
England was reduced to 10 players with three minutes remaining in regulation time after Lauren James stamped on the back of Michelle Alozie of Nigeria in what Gary Lineker termed a “Beckham-like moment of madness.”
However, the Lionesses held on in extra time to force penalties, with Chloe Kelly, Beth England, Rachel Daly, and Alex Greenwood scoring to secure a 4-2 victory via penalty kicks.
On Saturday, England will face either Jamaica or Colombia in the quarterfinals.
Kelly, who converted the game-winning penalty kick, said after the game, “We dig deep, we believe in our abilities. And most importantly, we believe what we’re being told to do.”
England was “not a classic” whereas Nigeria was “excellent all over the pitch” according to former England player Lee Hendrie.
He told, “England ultimately advanced to the quarterfinals due to their brilliant penalties. They have had to dig deep, as it has not been a classic performance, and you have to feel bad for Nigeria, who was superb all over the pitch, had a game plan, and worked tirelessly everywhere on the pitch.
“Then it was all about England being reduced to 10 players. And you wondered if they could get through this period and maintain their confidence, which they did.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales praised the team’s “hard-fought” victory, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished them “good luck” in the next round, according to Downing Street.
A Nigerian defender knocked down Rachel Daly, which may have led to a penalty for England. However, after reviewing VAR, the referee reversed her decision.
England struggled to replicate Nigeria’s game plan, and the referee penalised James’ petulance.
James will now be unable to compete in the quarterfinals and may face a prolonged suspension.
However, England maintained composure during the penalty shootout, preserving their hopes of winning both the European Championship and the World Cup.
