Having won against Ireland in their first group stage match last week, Australia’s hopes for making it through to the knockout round now hinge on their match against Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday night.
What happened at the Matildas v Nigeria game?
The match’s first half was high-intensity, with Australia maintaining possession throughout but Nigeria putting up a powerful defence. Both sides had some close near-misses in the first half, but it was five extra minutes of injury time that delivered both teams their first goals.
Cortnee Vine of Australia (right) fights for the ball with Osinachi Ohale of Nigeria. Source: AAP / Darren England
The Matildas scored first, with a goal from van Egmond. There wasn’t much time for celebration, though, with Nigerian forward Uchenna Kanu earning the Super Falcons their first goal shortly afterwards.
During 11 additional minutes of time at the end of the game’s second half, the Matildas’ Alanna Kennedy headed in a goal, but it wasn’t enough to equal scores at the final whistle.
The Nigerian team celebrate their win against Australia during their Women’s World Cup match on July 27. Source: AAP / Darren England
What have people said about the game?
Van Egmond added that the game’s final five minutes showed what the Australian team are all about – a “never say die attitude”.
The Matildas scored the first and final goals of the match, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Nigeria. Source: Getty / Matt Roberts/FIFA
“We win together, we lose together. No matter what your role is on the team, everyone’s so valued within the team.”
What’s next for the Matildas?
They could still go through to the next round with a draw, as long as the Nigerian team lose to Ireland that evening by two or more goals.
It remains unclear whether Sam Kerr will rejoin the rest of her team as a stater for Monday night’s match.
