Nigeria registered a commanding win over Australia in a highly intense group stage match at the Brisbane stadium. The game though was seemingly controlled by Australia for majority of the time, saw Nigeria end up on the winning side. Australia was the side with more ball possession, along with a total of 28 shots attempted in comparison to Nigeria’s 11.
Nigeria following their goalless draw against Canada in the opening game, have now bagged three crucial points to go to the top of their group’s table. Australia on the other hand have registered a tough defeat after having won their opening game against Ireland and are now placed third in their group’s table.
The game began with each of the two sides beginning to seek chances to attack the opponent’s net right away. Neither of the two sides however seemed fluent enough to cr ate any sort of chances for the first half an hour or so.
The Goalkeepers of either sides as a result weren’t really tested to their limits early in the match. Australia did come close to opening the scores in the 31st minute when Raso arrived at far post to meet Catley’s deflected corner, but could only steer a volley wide from inside of the six yard box.
Australia however did take the lead eventually at the first minute of added time in the first half. Nnadozie’s goal kick seemed to be frail as Australia took the advantage. Foord got away down the left and squared the ball upto Van Egmond who slotted the ball into the far corner. Nigeria to everyone’s surprise levelled the scores 5 minutes later, deep into the first half stoppage time. Ajibade’s strong shot that ricochetted towards the far post found Kanu who volleyed it in past Arnold.
The second half of the game began pretty much like the first half did,as both the sides silently began taking small steps towards building a smart forward game play. Australia did come close early on in the second half when Katrina Gorry let her shot fly high from a tight angle. It was Nigeria who took the lead in the 65th minute as Australia switched off from a corner. Arnold could only parry Ajibade’s header following the corners towards the far post into the path of where Ohale nodded it in.
Nigeria scored again, this time following a defensive mix up at the back by Australia. Arnold raced off her line and was caught out by Kennedy who nodded the ball past her. Oshoala who initially had been chasing the lifted ball calmly slotted it into an empty net. Australia did manage to pull one back in the dying minutes of the game. Kennedy rose high enough at the far post to head Cooney Cross’ corner at the 10th minute of added time. FT:- Australia 2-3 Nigeria.
Australia shall next be facing Canada on Monday. Meanwhile Nigeria will be taking on Ireland in the upcoming group stage game.
