Round of 16: Aussies dump out Danes as England edge past Nigeria
Sports Desk, Aug 7 (EFE).- Co-hosts Australia beat Denmark 2-0 in Melbourne on Monday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
The Matildas took the lead on the half-hour mark through Caitlin Foord, who rounded off an incisive counter attack with a confident near post finish.
Largely comfortable against a Denmark side that struggled to put goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold under pressure, Australia deservedly doubled their lead on 70 minutes thanks to Hayley Raso’s effort.
On a hugely encouraging evening for the hosts, star striker Sam Kerr, who had yet to appear at the tournament due to injury, joined the fray for the final ten minutes as Australia saw the game out.
They will face either France or Morocco in the last eight.
In Monday’s earlier match, a nervy England edged past Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw.
The reigning European champions missed their opening kick through Georgia Stanway, but Nigeria failed with their next two attempts to put England in the driving seat, with Chloe Kelly drilling in the winner.
It was an overall disappointing performance from England, whose attacking firepower was limited by the impressive Nigerians, who were sharper in the tackle, better organized in defense and more threatening on the break.
England’s star of the tournament so far, Lauren James, was deservedly sent off shortly before the end of normal time for a petulant stamp as the Lionesses’ frustrations threatened to boil over.
But they survived extra time despite being a player down, and kept their cool during the shootout to set up a quarterfinal showdown with Colombia or Jamaica. EFE
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