Barcelona ahead Asisat Oshoala turned the tide for Nigeria as she offered the kill change within the Super Falcons’ beautiful 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia on Thursday with the earlier finalists, the United States ladies’s nationwide soccer staff (USWNT), and the Netherlands settling for a one-all draw.
Oshoala, who got here on as a second-half substitute, introduced an additional edge to Nigeria’s assault, ultimately sealing the victory with an important objective.
The match had the whole lot a sports activities fanatic might want for – drama, targets, and even a jersey-shedding celebration.
Oshoala’s heroics secured Nigeria’s place on the high of Group B, sharing the highlight with Canada, each with 4 factors.
Despite lacking key gamers like Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler within the sport held in Brisbane, Australia dominated possession and unleashed a powerful variety of photographs on objective (28-10) with extra on the right track (8-5).
However, their world-class strikers lacked the medical end required to safe a victory.
The turning level got here within the 72nd minute when Oshoala capitalized on a defensive mixup, leaving three Australian defenders in her wake as she deftly slotted the ball into the close to publish along with her proper foot from an unbelievable angle.
Her electrifying objective celebration, sadly, earned her a yellow card.
Nigeria’s double change within the 63rd minute proved to be a masterstroke.
Just two minutes after Oshoala’s entry, they scored from a nook, with three gamers orchestrating a chic sequence of headers that culminated in veteran Uchiobe Ohale’s precision end.
This marked a exceptional turnaround for Nigeria, who had trailed 1-0 at halftime after the groups exchanged targets in stoppage time.
Australia now face a must-win conflict towards Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne on Monday to manage their destiny for a spot within the spherical of 16.
Final rematch
The 2019 Women’s World Cup champions, the United States squared off towards fellow finalists Netherlands in a heart-stopping encounter that led to a 1-1 draw.
Both groups displayed immense ability and willpower, making their mark atop Group E with 4 factors every, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the group stage.
The Dutch struck first blood, with Jill Roord firing a superb shot into the again of the web within the seventeenth minute, placing the report four-time champions on the again foot.
However, the indomitable spirit of the United States shone by as their captain, Lindsey Horan, rose to the event within the 62nd minute, leveling the rating with a well-executed header off a nook kick.
The 27,231-strong crowd, together with the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, bore witness to an enthralling show of athleticism and ability.
The U.S. had a number of alternatives to seal the deal, with Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, and Sophia Smith coming agonizingly shut.
Nonetheless, the Dutch protection, led by goalkeeper Kim Thanh, put up a valiant combat to maintain their hopes alive.
As the group stage heads into its closing matchday, the United States, perched on the high of the desk on objective distinction, enter their conflict towards Portugal as favorites.
Meanwhile, the Dutch will look to claim their dominance towards Vietnam.
Portugal remove Vietnam
Under the floodlights at Waikato Stadium, Portugal made historical past with a convincing 2-0 victory over fellow Women’s World Cup debutants Vietnam.
The win, which included a objective and an help from the good Telma Encarnacao, secured Portugal’s first-ever World Cup triumph.
Portugal’s coach, Francisco Neto, made a daring transfer by implementing seven adjustments to the staff that beforehand succumbed 1-0 to the Netherlands of their Group E opener.
The gamble paid off brilliantly, as Encarnacao ignited the spark early within the match, netting a sensible first-time end from Lucia Alves’ cross within the seventh minute.
The Portuguese domination continued as Encarnacao turned supplier, establishing Francisca Nazareth to ship a thunderous strike previous Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh within the twenty first minute.
Despite their valiant efforts, Vietnam struggled to create significant possibilities towards the Europeans, and their journey within the event got here to an finish, leaving them decided to regroup and be taught from the expertise.
Portugal now stand in third place in Group E, with three factors to their title forward of a difficult match towards the USWNT.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
