Host country Australia were on the wrong end of a shock upset as Nigeria ran out 3-2 winners while the USA were held by the Netherlands and Portugal beat Vietnam today at the Women’s World Cup…
Australia 2 Nigeria 3
Embed from Getty ImagesNigeria caused a memorable upset by beating World Cup hosts Australia.
After Emily van Egmond had given the Matildas the lead in added time of the first-half with a well-taken first-time effort, Nigeria were quick to respond by levelling the score before the whistle as Uchenna Kanu’s volley crept into the bottom corner.
And Nigeria took charge in the second half, extending their lead to 3-1 thanks to Osinachi Ohale noddng in from close range before Asisat Oshoala capitalised on a mix-up at the back to slot home into an empty net.
Australia did get one back when Alanna Kennedy rose high to head in a corner but it was too little to late as the Nigerians secured a shock victory to leave the hosts in danger of exiting the tournament at the group stages while Nigeria sit top the group.
USA 1 Netherlands 1
Embed from Getty ImagesThe USA had captain Lindsey Horan to thank for avoiding defeat to underdogs Netherlands.
New Man City signing Jill Roord put the Dutch in front with a fine, low strike into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
And they almost had another when Dominique Janssen’s dipping strike fell just over the bar.
But the reigning world champions were back level in the second half as Horan’s bullet header found the back of the net to put her nation in a strong position to reach the knockout stages along with the Netherlands, who both sit on four points.
Portugal 2 Vietnam 0
Embed from Getty ImagesPortugal picked up their first win of the tournament by seeing off Vietnam.
Telma Encarnação prodded home a cross from inside the box to put the Portuguese in front on seven minutes.
And it was two just 15 minutes later, Francisca Nazareth racing through on goal before calmly slotting into the bottom corner to give her side a comfortable victory.
Portugal still face an uphill battle to get out of their group, currently sitting third behind the USA and Netherlands with one game to play.
