Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Super Falcons stun hosts with second-half salvo to go top of Group B ahead of Canada and Matildas
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Updated 27/07/2023 at 13:29 GMT
Second-half goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala saw Nigeria come from a goal down to stun hosts Australia 3-2 and move top of Group B. Towards the end of the first half Emily van Egmond gave the hosts the lead but Nigeria hit back straight away before the break through Uchenna Kanu. The two goals after the break gave the Super Falcons their first win of the tournament.
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Australia’s World Cup dream suffered a heavy blow in Brisbane as Nigeria came from behind to complete a merited 3-2 win in Group B.
The co-hosts needed a victory to qualify for the last 16 on Thursday, but will now need to overcome Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne on Monday to stay alive in their own tournament.
The Matildas took the lead in added time in the first half against a compact, energised and well-constructed Nigeria side courtesy of Emily van Egmond’s fine finish before Uchenna Kanu equalised seconds later.
Randy Waldrum's Nigeria proceeded to produce a classic counter-attacking game in the second half as further goals from Osinachi Ohale and substitute Asisat Oshoala stunned the 40,000-plus crowd inside the Brisbane Stadium.
Alanna Kennedy headed home in the ninth minute of 11 added, but it was not enough as Nigeria held on to move top of the table on goal difference above Canada on four points with Australia remaining on three points.
A jubilant Nigeria – who drew 0-0 with Canada in their tournament opener – know they will qualify for the last 16 with a win over the already eliminated Republic of Ireland in their final group match on Monday.
TALKING POINT – WHAT WENT WRONG FOR AUSTRALIA?
The Matildas dominated all of the key stats apart from the one that matters. They enjoyed 64 percent of possession, totted up 28 attempts on goal and also basked in 15 corner kicks, but came up against an obdurate and well-organised opponent in Nigeria, who became the first African side to win a match at this competition.
The home team's opening goal was a thing of beauty, converted by Emily van Egmond arriving late in the box with a smart side foot finish, but it was the danger that lurked at the back that ultimately undid them as they were caught napping to enable Uchenna Kanu to find the equaliser with her side's first real attempt of the match.
In failing to heed the warnings, the second half began in similar fashion with Nigeria dealing supremely well in defending corner kicks while restricting the home side to speculative efforts from long range.
With the tension palpable among the home fans, Nigeria seized the advantage as Osinachi Ohale bravely headed into the net on 65 minutes after more sluggish defending before Nigeria substitute Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, clearly troubling the home players, raced around the Australian keeper Mackenzie Arnold to convert after a mix-up in defence.
The Aussie fans knew it was probably game up then despite Alanna Kennedy heading home a consolation in the death throes of added time.
There is work to be done by Australia before their winner-takes-all meeting with Canada in Melbourne on Monday. And most of it should perhaps focus on finding an alternative Plan B when Plan A is not working.
Emerging on top on key stats count for little in football when you fail to convert the bulk of possession.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – OSINACHI OHALE
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Osinachi Ohale of Nigeria speaks to the media in the post match press conference after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria.
Image credit: Eurosport
The Nigeria defender was a tower of strenghth in organisng and cajoling her companions to keep the Australian attack at bay.
Always seemed to be in the right place to deal with any danger.
Asisat Oshoala showed her class in the forward areas when she emerged as a substitute in the second half, but it was the defensive organisation of Ohale and her team-mates that provided the foundations for Nigeria to claim a famous win.
The last 16 beckons after this historic triumph for the Super Falcons.
PLAYER RATINGS
Australia: Mackenzie Arnold 5, Alanna Kennedy 7, Clare Hunt 6, Steph Catley 6, Ellie Carpenter 6, Katrina Gorry 6, Kyra Cooney-Cross 6, Emily van Egmond 7, Caitlin Foord 6, Cortnee Vine 6, Hayley Raso 6 Subs: Clare Polkinghorne 5, Alex Chidiac 5
Nigeria: Chiamaka Nnadozie 7, Blessing Demehin 7, Osinachi Ohale 8, Ashleigh Plumptre 8, Michelle Alozie 8, Antionette Payne 7, Halimatu Ayinde 8, Christy Ucheibe 7, Rasheedat Ajibade 7, Ifeoma Onumonu 7, Uchenna Kanu 7 Subs: Glory Ogbonna 6, Onome Ebi 6, Jennifer Echegini 6, Esther Okoronkwo 6, Asisat Oshoala 7
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
15' AUSSIES GO CLOSE! – Steph Catley certainly carrying some menace as she drives into the box before unleashing a shot that Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie does well to claw around her left hand post. And on we go.
45+1' GOAL FOR AUSTRALIA! – Emily van Egmond arrives from deep to slide the ball into the net from the Caitlin Foord pass. Lovely move and finish across the face of goal and low into the corner of the net. And came when Nigeria for once were forced out of their shape. That is such a key moment. And what a time to score. The co-hosts hold the lead.
45+5' NIGERIA DRAW LEVEL! – Would you believe it. Australia find the key opening goal, but get nailed seconds later. Rasheedat Ajibade with the deflected cross, breaks kindly to Uchenna Kanu and her shot nestles in the net. No chance for the keeper. First shot at goal and there is the equaliser. Nigeria thrilled with that moment. No wonder.
65' NIGERIA TAKE THE LEAD! – Panic in the Aussie box as they failed to clear the loose ball and Osinachi Ohale races in to head into the net after the Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold could only palm away the headed attempt by Rasheedat Ajibade. Brave finish and she is going to need treatment. Nigeria lead 2-1. What a shock is on the cards.
72' NIGERIA MAKE IT THREE! – Well, what a turnaround as Asisat Oshoala races through on goal after a mix-up between the Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold and her defence. Didn't deal well with the hopeful Toni Payne ball. All too easy and Oshoala rounds the keeper before sliding into the net. 3-1 to Nigeria.
90+9' AUSTRALIA EARN LIFELINE! – Alanna Kennedy heads home in a packed area with a minute to go! Is it too little, too late?
KEY STAT
Before this upset victory, Nigeria had failed to score in 17 of their 27 previous Women’s World Cup matches, more than any other team.
They had only found the net in one of their previous seven World Cup fixtures in a 2-0 win against South Korea in 2019.
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