England survived a red card to make the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, while Australia eliminated Denmark.
England were reduced to ten players late on, before pipping Nigeria on penalties in front of nearly 50,000, setting up a quarter-final with Colombia or Jamaica at 11.30am (UK time) on Saturday.
England had a penalty given for challenge on Rachel Daly reversed on review by the referee, Daly having a shot sharply saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Ashleigh Plumptre hit the bar for Nigeria and forced Mary Earps to turn her effort round the post, while Uchenna Kanu’s header also hit the crossbar.
Daly was again thwarted by Nnadozie from a free header, then in the dying minutes Lauren James had a yellow card replaced by a red following a VAR check.
With no breakthrough, penalties were required and Chloe Kelly sent the Lionesses through 4-2.
Australia defeated Denmark 2-0 to reach the last eight, where they await the winners of the match between France and Morocco.
The co-hosts were ahead by half time, Caitlin Foord latching on to a Mary Fowler ball on the break, to shoot through the legs of keeper Lene Christensen.
The Danes fell two behind with 20 minutes left, Fowler’s shot was blocked by Emily van Egmond set up Hayley Raso to fire home.
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