England fans have been cheering on the Lionesses as they kick started their campaign to reach the quarter-final of the Women’s World Cup.
Sarina Wiegman’s squad are up against a tough Nigerian side, who started the match looking the brighter, with early shots on goal leaving England rattled.
Scores of supporters have transformed pubs into a sea of red and white as they watch the clash in Brisbane, Australia this morning.
The action comes after England topped their qualifying group, following a dominant performance against China, which saw them netting six goals.
But the Nigerians have proved the biggest challenge to date as they came out all guns blazing in the first half, putting the Lionesses on the back foot – despite and early penalty chance for England that was disallowed by VAR.
Fans have gathered in pubs and at special screening events to watch England’s last 16 clash against Nigeria. Pictured: England supporters at the fan zone near Wembley Stadium
Nigeria started the brighter team in the first half at Brisbane, with early shots rattling the Lionesses (Pictured: Osinachi Ohale of Nigeria (left) and Alessia Russo of England compete for the ball during)
Oluwatosin Demehin of Nigeria clears the ball from Alessia Russo of England England Women v Nigerian Women, FIFA Women’s World Cup,
A huge spell of early possession from the Nigerian side – ranked 40th in the the world – led to a thunderous strike from Plumptre whose effort rattled the bar
Then moments later, Onumonu forced England’s keeper Mary Earps to scramble and save the rebound, as crowds at the Brisbane stadium roared in excitement.
England’s response was rapid, as the Lionesses surged down into the Nigerian half, seeking to break the deadlock and take one step closer towards the quarter-final.
Alessia Russo was gifted possession just outside their own penalty area. The Arsenal striker did not hesitate and shot on sight – forcing a save from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has it covered and makes the save.
Minutes later, and England was gifted a penalty after Rachel Daly went to ground following contact with Ajibade.
But in more drama, the penalty was cancelled just seconds later following a VAR review, leading to uproar from the crowd – and from England fans on social media.
‘Not a penalty for England… I would love to know how they came to that decision,’ one person tweeted.
Another added: ‘Unbelievable overturn of a penalty award for England v Nigeria there. What a waste of four minutes and zero reason to reverse the decision. Terrible refereeing.’
England’s Lionesses were under pressure as Nigeria started the brighter of the first half
But after weathering the initial storm, Sarina Wiegman’s side retaliated forcing a diving save from the Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie
Jessica Carter of England goes down with an injury during the FIFA Women’s World Cup
England was awarded a penalty initially by the referee after Rachel Daly was shoved down in the box
But minutes later and it was fresh heartbreak for England after a VAR review overturned the decision
Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway of England were visibly frustrated after the penalty was cancelled following the Video Assistant Referee review
Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway of England were visibly frustrated after the penalty was cancelled following the Video Assistant Referee review.
The African side came close to taking the lead after that drama as Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade’s fierce shot was blocked heroically by Jess Carter, and then again by Millie Bright on the follow-up.
England responded is rapid fashion charging the ball back down into the Nigerian half, securing a series of corners – with England’s Lauren James sending her effort soaring over the crossbar.
England fans breathed a sigh of relief as the half-time whistle was blown, following a dominant performance by Nigeria – who had eight attempted, more than any other England has faced during this year’s tournament.
Scores of England fans have gathered at special viewings across the UK, transforming pubs and bars into a sea of red and white.
At Boxpark in Wembley, fans were left shell-shocked by a potent Nigeria performance
England supporters screamed in delight after the penalty was awarded – before groaning in disappointment after VAR overturned it.
Others anxiously hugged one another during the thrilling end-to-end first half.
Confusion: A young England fan raises her hands while watching England at the Boxpark in Wembley
Other fans at Boxpark Wembley were left shell-shocked by the dominant performance of Nigeria
This youngster at the Brisbane Rectangular Stadium showed his support for England with some patriotic face paint
There were roars of excitement as England and Nigeria clashed during a thrilling first half
While the action proved too much for some diehard fans, who were left watching the clash through their fingers.
While the action proved too much for some diehard fans, who were left watching the clash through their fingers.
The second half resumed with Nigeria getting the first early chance, with England continuing to look uncomfortable.
Flying out of the blocks, Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu winning the header at the back post, sending a looping effort at goal that rattled the top of the bar.
As the one-way traffic continued, Nigeria’s relentless assault on the Lionesses’ box, showed no sign of letting up, forcing England’s Millie Bright into heading the ball behind for a corner.
The corner floated towards the back post but came to nothing as England cleared their lines.
The Lionesses retaliated moments later with their best opportunity of the match, as an expert delivery from Greenwood sent it directly onto the head of Russo – who skewed her header wide for a goal kick.
England’s Mary Earps is forced into action as Nigeria looked the more dominant in the match
Nigeria proved to be the most challenging side yet faced by the Lionesses. Pictured: Michelle Alozie of Nigeria and Lauren Hemp of England competing for the ball during
Lauren Hemp of England goes down to ground during a bruising competition against Nigeria
England head coach Sarina Wiegman appeared steely as she looks on at her side during the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Ifeoma Onumonu of Nigeria (left) and Keira Walsh of England compete for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 s
Carter managed to get the ball in the final third but she couldn’t make it past a sea of Nigeria players – who gave England absolutely no space or time.
A smart throw in went to Stanway, who flicked it on to Russo – but who couldn’t get a shot off.
Hemp, resurgent, then squeezed through the green wall of defence but sees her effort deflected behind for a corner, with the resulting set piece coming to nothing as the ball sailed onto the roof of the net.
With 70 minutes gone, England – barring a few moments – have failed to get a grip of this Nigerian side, coming off second best as the Africans continued to frustrate the European champions.