Soccer: Nigeria shock hosts Australia 3-2 at Women's World Cup

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute to seal a deserved win for the Africans after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond's opener on the cusp of halftime and Osinachi Ohale nudged Nigeria ahead after the break. Australia cut the deficit to one goal when Alanna Kennedy nodded home a header in the 10th minute of stoppage time but Nigeria rode out the final seconds to claim one of the finest wins in their history at the global showpiece. 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.

The 11-time African champions play eliminated Ireland in their last group match on Monday. Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said his players were in party mode in their changing room at Lang Park. «I think they’re still singing and dancing right now,» the American told reporters.

«I can’t get in there and get a word in edge-wise. »So many people didn’t believe in me, didn’t believe in the team. The one thing we’ve done is talk about believing in one another." The Matildas must beat Olympic champions Canada, held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria in their opener, to be assured of making the last 16 at a tournament where they fancied themselves among the major title threats.

Lacking talismanic striker Sam Kerr and attacker Mary Fowler through 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. Defensive lapses ultimately cost the hosts but coach Tony Gustavsson was reluctant to find fault. «If the performance was poor I'd say it was, but the performance wasn't poor,» said the Swede.