England are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after beating Nigeria in a penalty shootout, despite Lauren James receiving a red card in normal time.
Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty for England, who will face one of Colombia or Jamaica in the last eight.
Lauren James was sent off for violent conduct, leaving England severely weakened before extra time. With 87 minutes on the clock, James – one of the stars of the group stages – deliberately stood on Michelle Alozie, and though the referee originally issued a yellow card, Melissa Borjas showed a red card after consulting with VAR officials.
Even before the dismissal, Nigeria had been the better side, hitting the bar twice through Ashleigh Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu, while Rachel Daly missed England’s best opportunity, her close-range header drawing a fine save from Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Before that, England’s Daly thought she had won a penalty when Borjas pointed to the spot after a challenge from Rasheedat Ajibade, but after reviewing footage, the Honduran referee decided there was no infringement.
Nigeria’s super falcons will be left disappointed for not clinching the ticket for the next round after an emphatic display.