BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — England received with out star Lauren James, who was ejected with a pink card, to beat Nigeria on penalty kicks Monday and advance to the quarterfinals on the Women’s World Cup.
The spherical of 16 match ended 0-0 after regulation and further time, giving Nigeria an opportunity to win a knockout match on the Women’s World Cup for the primary time in 9 journeys to the worldwide event.
But European champion England received the shootout 4-2, lacking just one try.
England grew to become the title favourite after the defending champion U.S. crew was eradicated Sunday in a penalty shootout loss to Sweden. But England struggled to create alternatives in opposition to Nigeria’s protection.
Matters have been made worse for England 5 minutes from regulation time when star ahead James was ejected, after a VAR evaluate, for violent conduct after stomping on a Nigeria defender.
She initially was proven a yellow card by referee Melissa Borjas after falling on high of Michelle Alozie and stepping on her together with her studs after getting again to her toes. The crowd groaned as slow-motion replays have been proven on the stadium screens and, after a delay of a number of minutes, the yellow card was canceled and changed with a pink card.
British media immediately reacted by evaluating it with David Beckham’s pink card for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone on the 1998 World Cup in France. The pink card means James will miss not less than one recreation, and probably the remainder of the event.
The Lionesses instantly needed to change formation within the 10-on-11 situation, bringing on Chloe Kelly to play a solo function up entrance.
Alozie was clear eight minutes into stoppage time however couldn’t management a left-foot shot from seven yards and skewed it extensive of the put up.
Veteran ahead Asisat Oshoala pressured a save from England goalkeeper Mary Earps when she spun and fired a left-foot shot minutes from the top of additional time.
England will meet Colombia or Jamaica in Sydney subsequent Saturday within the quarterfinals.
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