Women’s World Cup:Nigeria stun Australia

SYDNEY: Nigeria produced the first major shock of the Women’s World Cup as it stunned Australia 3-2 on Thursday to leave the co-host’s tournament hopes on thin ice.

Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute to seal a deserved win for the Africans after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond’s opener on the cusp of halftime and Osinachi Ohale nudged Ni-geria ahead after the break.

Australia cut the deficit to one goal when Alanna Kennedy nodded home a header in the 10th minute of stop-page time but Nigeria rode out the final seconds to claim one of its finest wins in its ninth appearance at the global showpiece.

The win in front of a huge crowd at Lang Park put Nigeria top of Group B level with Canada on four points but ahead on goal difference. The 11-time African champion plays eliminated Ireland in its last group match.

The Matildas must now beat Canada in their last match to qualify for the last 16 at a tournament where they fancied themselves among the chief title threats.

Telma Encarnacao scored one goal and assisted on another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0, a win that en-sured Vietnam will not advance to the knockout stage. Agencies

Also Read: Pakistan batters demolish Sri Lanka’s hopes

Also Watch: