FIFA WOMENS WORLD CUP: SUPER FALCONS OUTSHINE HOSTS AUSTRALIA

July 27, 2023

Read Time:1 Minute, 7 Second

BRISBANE, Australia — Nigeria made Brisbane their own, causing a huge shock at the Women’s World Cup to defeat hosts Australia 3-2 and setting up Group B for a grandstand finish.

Emily van Egmond’s inclusion paid dividends for the Matildas in the first half, with the midfielder lurking at the top of the box to slot home a Caitlin Foord cross. But Australia’s injury-time lead lasted all of four minutes, with Uchenna Kanu able to poke home a deflected cross to draw Nigeria level.

The Super Falcons came out of the blocks racing after sitting back and allowing the Matildas to attack without threatening in the first half. And in the space of seven minutes, they took control. Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross from the far post found Osinachi Ohale, who forced the ball over the net despite taking Alanna Kennedy’s leg in her stomach.

Then Asisat Oshoala made it three after an error from Kennedy. The defender attempted to head the ball back to goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold only to nod it into the path of Oshoala, who made her finish from an acute angle look easy.

The Matildas made late changes and threw everything at Nigeria in the 11 minutes of injury time, including using Kennedy up top which saw her score a header in 100th minute. But the damage had been done.

Courtesy: ESPN