England will meet Colombia or Jamaica in Sydney next Saturday in the quarterfinals.
England beat Nigeria on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup.
England defeated Nigeria on penalties on Monday to win and proceed to the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals without their best player Lauren James, who was dismissed after receiving a red card.
Nigeria now has a chance to advance farther in the Women’s World Cup for the first time in nine appearances after the round of 16 match ended scoreless after normal and extra time.
But England, the defending European champion, prevailed 4-2, missing just one shot.
The U.S. team, the defending champion, was eliminated on Sunday after losing in a penalty shootout to Sweden, making England the title favourite. However, against Nigeria’s defence, England found it difficult to generate openings.
Five minutes left in regulation, England’s problems became worse when star forward James was sent out for aggressive behaviour after stamping on a Nigeria defender.England beat Nigeria on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup.
When she stepped on Michelle Alozie with her studs after collapsing on top of her, referee Melissa Borjas initially issued her a yellow card. The stadium displays played slow-motion replays as the fans booed, and after a few minutes the yellow card was cancelled and replaced with a red one.
In response, the British media immediately compared it to David Beckham’s red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone of Argentina at the 1998 World Cup in France. James will most likely miss the remainder of the competition after receiving a red card and missing at least one game.
In the 10-on-11 situation, the Lionesses had to adjust their formation right away, inserting Chloe Kelly to play a lone role up front.
Alozie had an open chance from seven yards out eight minutes into stoppage time, but he was unable to control it and skewed it wide of the post.
Minutes before the end of extra time, veteran forward Asisat Oshoala turned and unleashed a left-foot shot, forcing England keeper Mary Earps to make a save.
The quarterfinal matchup between England and Colombia or Jamaica will take place in Sydney on Saturday.
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