The head coach of England’s women’s team, Sarina Wiegman, could not describe the rate of her heartbeat during the 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash with the Super Falcons of Nigeria earlier today, August 7.
England which recorded three straight victories including a 6-1 spanking of China in the group stage of the tournament, found it impossible to score against the Super Falcons as they played a goalless draw in 120 minutes.
Thanks to Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie who missed their spot-kicks during the penalty shootout, England knocked out the Super Falcons 4-2 on penalties.
During the game, the nine-time African champions made their defense and even their midfield almost impossible for England to break, and the Nigerian team won the ball more often than the English team in most parts of the game.
In the first half, Uchenna Kanu’s header flew over goalkeeper Mary Earps and struck the top of the crossbar while Ashleigh Plumptre’s powerful shot bounced off the bar, which are two golden opportunities that would have given the Super Falcons the lead.
England hung on to win the game in a shootout after limping to the end of regulation time without the fluidity they demonstrated in their 6-1 win over China.
After the game, the 53-year-old tactician, Wiegman said, “I don’t know what my heart rate is, I just know I’m 10 years older.
“I was not worried. It was a really intense game. Nigeria has done really well in the group stages so we were not underestimating them at all and they showed what a good team they were.
“We had trouble getting out of their press. We could do a little better but I also think we should give them credit.”
On Saturday, 11:30 BST, England will take on either Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
