The second week of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 began with a Dutch draw for the US, win for Portugal and Nigeria pulling off a victory over Australia.
Nigeria went to the top of Group B, when coming from behind to record a fine 3-2 victory over Australia in front of over 49,000 fans.
Emily van Egmond gave the Matildas a first-half stoppage-time lead with a far-post finish, only for Uchenna Kanu to reply in similar fashion before the break.
Osinachi Ohale took an accidental kick to the stomach in heading the Super Falcons 2-1 up, with Asisat Oshoala gifted the chance to extend the advantage.
Alanna Kennedy netted an injury-time header but Chiamaka Nndozie made the save as Ellie Carpenter threatened a dramatic last-gasp leveller.
The USA had to come from behind to earn a draw against the Netherlands, leaving both sides on four points with one Group E game to go each.
Jill Rood struck from the edge of the box from Victoria Pelova’s pass after 17 minutes, the holders quickly going close to a reply but Daphne van Domselaar tipped a Trinity Rodman effort round the post.
Lindsey Horan headed home the equaliser from a corner and Alex Morgan also netted but was given offside.
Rodman put a great chance wide, while the Netherlands’ Esmee Brugts and USA’s Sophia Smith both had efforts diverted outside the post.
Also in Group E, Portugal claimed their first ever points at the World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over Vietnam.
Lucia Alves crossed for Telma Encarnacao to give Portugal an early lead, the scorer then playing Francisca Nazareth in for the second.
Fixtures for Friday 28 July (UK times)
1am – Group G – Argentina v South Africa (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
9.30am – Group D – England v Denmark (live on BBC1/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport website)
12pm – Group D – China v Haiti (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
