FIFA Women’s World Cup: Falcons stun Australia to top group B

Nigeria’s Super Falcons came from a goal down to defeat co-host, the Matildas of Australia 3-2 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup group B game at Brisbane Stadium.

Emily van Egmond gave Australia the lead in the first minute of added first half minutes only for the Super Falcons to equalise before the half-time whistle..The Nigerians them scored twice in the second half to secure victory and move top of the group on goals difference.

The Matildas edged ahead in the first minute of added time at the end of the first half when Van Egmond guided her shot beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie following
Caitlin Foord’s low cross into the penalty area.

But Nigeria equalised in the sixth minute of added time when Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot deflected towards the far post to Uchenna Kanu, who placed her shot
through Steph Catley’s legs and beyond Mackenzie Arnold.

Asisat Oshoala’s introduction on 63 minutes immediately unsettled the Australian defence and Nigeria forged ahead two minutes later when Osinachi Ohale, who
was hurt in the process, headed in at the far post after Ajibade’s header was pushed away by Arnold.

Oshoala scored Nigeria’s third goal on 72 minutes from a tight angle following a mix-up between Alanna Kennedy and Arnold.

Kennedy pulled a goal back deep into added time but the defeat means Australia go into their final group game against Canada knowing they need to win to
guarantee a place in the last 16.