The Super Falcons registered five points to finish second behind Australia with six points. The Nigerian women will now face England in the last 16 after the Lionesses thrashed China 6-1 to finish as leaders of Group D.
The Lionesses of England on Tuesday thrashed China 6-1 to set up a last 16 clash against the Falcons
The Randy Waldrum tutored side defeated the Maltidas of Australia 3-2 to register their only victory in their group after playing out goalles s draws in their remaining two games against Canada and Republic of Ireland.
The Lionesses of England on the other hand made a dream start against China on Tuesday to settle any nerves as Russo fires a low shot into the bottom corner.
Russo started the move with a great ball down the line for Hemp who made a cross. James then set it back for Russo to bury it brilliantly past the China goalkeeper.
England soon after got their second with a a sensational goal from Lauren Hemp. Bright had picked up the ball in midfield before slotting it through for James.
The forward then spots Hemp in between the defenders, playing a fizzing ball into the Man City’s winger’s feet.
It’s then an easy run and finish for Hemp, which she takes delightful leaving England up and running.
Lauren James eventually registered her name on the score sheet for England’s third goal. It was a well-worked free-kick routine as Greenwood plays a ball to James on the edge of the box and she whips a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The 21-year-old is having an exciting outing with a goal and two assists for the forward in this game.
Meanwhile, China were able to pull one back from the spot. Wang made no mistake when she put her penalty down the middle with Earps diving to her left. The goal saw England conceding their first goal at this tournament.
James was really the lady on fire after another sensational goal from the Chelsea forward secured England’s third. Carter has put a cross in to the back post. This has allowed James produce a sublime first-time side-footed volley into the far corner. The 21-year-old Chelsea forward would have been on her hat-trick. VAR’s controversy had ruled out her earlier fabulous strike.
A special goal from a special player has restored England’s three-goal lead ending any hopes of an unlikely China comeback.
Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly completed England’s goals riot in the 77th and 84th minutes respectively to finish as fantastic Group D leaders.
[NationalDaily]