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England are by to the Ladies’s World Cup quarter-finals on penalties after overcoming the send-off of star midfielder Lauren James to beat Nigeria.
The Lionesses received 4-2 on penalties with substitute Chloe Kelly sealing the deal after Beth England, Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood had all scored from the spot.
Nigeria’s Need Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed with their opening two pictures to place the Tremendous Falcons behind the eight-ball.
James was sensationally despatched off within the 87th minute for stomplng on the again of Nigeria defender Alozie whereas she was on the bottom.
James was initially given a yellow card however on overview it was modified to a crimson for her mind explosion.
She’s going to robotically miss England’s quarter-final on Saturday in Sydney in opposition to the winner of Tuesday’s round-of-16 conflict between Colombia and Jamaica.
The Lionesses composed themselves after James’ exit and defended with guile and braveness all through additional time.
Alozie sprayed a shot on an open purpose vast within the 98th minute whereas Nigeria’s Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala discovered goalkeeper and player-of-the-match Mary Earps within the 117th as England held agency.
England have now reached the quarter-finals in all six appearances on the World Cup.
“The chances had been in opposition to us tonight however the group got here collectively fantastically to actually grind it out,” Earps stated.
“Nigeria had been good, relentless. I’m so drained however I’m so satisfied that we acquired the job finished.”
When James was despatched off, Earps stated she was “gutted”.
“That emotion lasts a few seconds however then it’s about being logical and shifting on,” she stated.
“I’ve not spoken to LJ (James) but. I’m certain she will likely be disillusioned however we stick collectively as a group.”
The referee controversially dominated a penalty initially to England within the thirty first minute after contact by Nigeria midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade on Daly who tumbled over theatrically within the field.
There was a shirt tug exterior the field and a few contact inside it, however the referee went to the video monitor for a overview and the choice was reversed.
Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre struck the underside of the crossbar with a rocket of a shot within the sixteenth minutes after which compelled Earps to dive full size to her proper to save lots of one other vicious strike.
England ahead Alessia Russo had her facet’s finest probability within the twenty third minute when her strike was nicely saved by Tremendous Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The second stanza was a minute outdated when striker Uchenna Kanu hit the crossbar from one other Ajibade cross.
England’s finest probability got here with a robust header by Daly from an Emma Greenwood cross that was magnificently saved low down by Nnadozie.
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