England defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup in Brisbane on Monday.
After Lauren James was dismissed for a petulant stamp on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie’s back, the Lionesses had to hold out with just 10 players during the extra period, putting tremendous pressure on the European champions.
Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks, with Desire Oparanozie and Alozie failing to hit the target.
Bethany England and Rachel Daly then gave the Lionesses the advantage, after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty of the shoot-out.
Bethany made no mistake, but Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie shot way over top to give England an advantage they never surrendered, and Chloe Kelly easily converted to give them the victory.
They will face Colombia or Jamaica on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
