Nigeria produced the first major shock of the Women's World Cup as they stunned Australia 3-2 on Thursday to leave the co-hosts' tournament hopes on thin ice. The victory in front of a huge crowd at Lang Park put Nigeria top of Group B level with Canada on four points but ahead on goals scored. Lacking talismanic striker Sam Kerr and attacking midfielder Mary Fowler due to injury, Australia's makeshift forward line peppered the Nigeria goal but saw a slew of chances fly wide and over the bar in both halves. Australia coach Tony Gustavsson brought midfielder Van Egmond into his starting 11, while Nigeria boss Randy Waldrum brought strike threat Oshoala off the bench in the second half. Gorry almost broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart, smashing a loose ball inches over the bar.

Source: bd News24 July 27, 2023 14:14 UTC