The Nigerian underdog triumphed in a nail-biting scoreless draw in opposition to Ireland on Monday, punching their ticket to the Women’s World Cup spherical of 16.
The Super Falcons, in opposition to all odds, secured the second spot in Group B, trailing solely behind the event co-hosts, Australia.
The match started with a way of cautiousness, with each groups enjoying it secure within the preliminary minutes.
The Nigerians cranked up the depth, hoping to search out the elusive objective that might propel them to the highest of the group.
Ireland’s goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan, stood tall within the 52nd minute, making a dramatic diving save that not solely preserved her clear sheet but additionally earned Ireland their first level of their debut World Cup look.
Nigeria got here near breaking the impasse when Toni Payne’s exact supply discovered the pinnacle of Uchenna Kanu.
However, Brosnan’s heroic diving save as soon as once more denied them the breakthrough, leaving the scoreline nonetheless locked at 0-0.
Ireland’s Katie McCabe narrowly missed the goal with a strong left-foot shot within the fifth minute, whereas Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala could not convert on a breakaway alternative 9 minutes later.
With the well-earned level from the hard-fought draw, Nigeria have certified for the spherical of 16 following their jaw-dropping 3-2 upset victory over Australia.
Nigeria’s journey to their third knockout stage earlier confronted important turmoil attributable to an ongoing pay dispute previous to the event.
The end result has nevertheless despatched Ireland packing with a single level of their maiden look at a serious world event.
Although their World Cup journey ended ahead of they hoped, the Irish workforce gained invaluable expertise that they will harness as they try to qualify for his or her inaugural Women’s European Championship in 2025.
Nigeria, because the runner-up in Group B awaits the winners of Group D in an epic conflict scheduled for subsequent Monday in Brisbane.
Shepolopolo honor
Tournament newcomers Zambia grabbed their first-ever win with a powerful 3-1 victory over Costa Rica.
The electrifying match noticed Lushomo Mweemba rating the quickest objective of the event, sending the Zambian followers right into a frenzy simply 131 seconds into the sport.
Her beautiful volley from Avell Chitundu’s nook kick rocketed into the online, marking the Copper Queens’ opening objective of their historical past.
Adding to the historic milestones, Barbra Banda notched the 1,000th objective in World Cup historical past.
The 23-year-old striker coolly transformed a penalty kick within the thirty first minute.
While the results of the match did not influence the knockout stage {qualifications}, it served as a defining second for Zambia, as they left the World Cup on an emotional excessive, full of pleasure and pleasure for securing their maiden win.
The Women’s World Cup has been a rollercoaster of feelings and dramatic upsets, with Zambia’s historic victory standing out as a testomony to the fervour and resilience that fuels the gorgeous sport.
Too scorching to deal with
Meanwhile, Japan dazzled with their lightning-fast counterattacking brilliance, securing a dominant 4-0 victory over Spain in Group C.
Hinata Miyazawa stole the highlight with a brace, whereas Riko Ueki additionally contributed a objective and performed an important position in her teammate’s success.
Defying the percentages and with solely 22% possession, Japan showcased a masterful show of counterattacking soccer, changing their three makes an attempt on objective earlier than half-time to stun the Spaniards.
The match witnessed a tactical battle between the 2 groups, with Spain having fun with the lion’s share of possession however struggling to penetrate Japan’s defensive setup.
Japan, alternatively, remained calm, defended with depth and executed their counterattacks with precision, leaving the Spanish protection in shambles.
Hinata Miyazawa opened the floodgates with a superbly crafted objective, adopted by Riko Ueki’s scientific end after some mesmerizing workforce play.
Miyazawa quickly struck once more, finishing her brace with composure and ability.
In the 82nd minute, substitute Mina Tanaka left the Spanish protection in awe with an impressive solo effort, sealing Japan’s victory with a thunderous shot into the highest left nook.
Japan’s exceptional efficiency on this group stage additional solidifies their standing as a formidable title contender, a workforce that has beforehand gained the World Cup in 2011 and completed as runners-up in 2015.
Their distinctive counterattacking prowess has been a sight to behold, and as they gear as much as face Group A runner-up Norway within the spherical of 16, Japan stays a pressure to be reckoned with on this thrilling Women’s World Cup marketing campaign.
Home benefit
Australia got here again with a vengeance, securing a powerful 4-0 victory over Canada to advance to the final 16.
The co-hosts utilized their home-turf benefit by delivering a press release efficiency that left the Olympic champions shattered.
With their backs in opposition to the wall after a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, the Australian Matildas embraced the strain and unleashed their may in entrance of a roaring crowd of 27,706 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Hayley Raso, the Real Madrid star, opened the scoring with a sensational strike within the ninth minute, capitalizing on a pleasant low cross from captain Steph Catley.
Australia thought they’d a second objective earlier than the break, nevertheless it was controversially disallowed.
Undeterred, Raso, fueled by dedication, made no mistake of their very subsequent assault, changing from shut vary with a scientific end.
Canada, left shell-shocked and needing a comeback, made 4 modifications at halftime in a determined try to show the tide.
But the Matildas, rampant and unyielding, confirmed no mercy, as Mary Fowler and Steph Catley added two extra objectives to their tally, securing an emphatic victory.
With this spectacular triumph, Australia claimed the highest spot in Group B, ending forward of Nigeria.
They now brace themselves for a difficult conflict in opposition to the second-placed workforce from Group D within the spherical of 16, setting the stage for an additional thrilling encounter.
Unfortunately, it marked the tip of the street for Canada, who got here agonizingly shut however fell brief of their quest for development.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
