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SCMP Sport

Associated Press

England managed to move into the quarter finals of the Women’s World Cup despite a red card for star player Lauren James, beating Nigeria on penalties on Monday, while Australia later beat Denmark 2-0.
The round-of-16 tie was still goalless after extra time in Brisbane, with Nigeria looking to win their first ever knockout match on the nine occasions they have reached the tournament.
But European champions England easily won the shoot-out 4-2, missing only one kick at Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s amazing. Anything that’s thrown at us. We’ve shown what we’re capable of,” England’s Chloe Kelly said in a post-match interview.
“We dig deep as a group and we believe in our ability. This team is special. We keep pushing forward – there’s more to come from this special side.”
The Lionesses became favourites for the title after defending champions the United States were eliminated on Sunday, in a penalty shoot-out loss to Sweden.

But England struggled to find opportunities against Nigeria’s defence, and matters were made worse for them five minutes from the end of normal time when James was sent off after a VAR review for violent conduct, after stamping on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozia.
She initially was shown a yellow card by referee Melissa Borjas after falling on top of Alozie and stepping on her with her studs after getting back to her feet.
The crowd groaned as slow-motion replays were shown on the stadium screens and, after a delay of several minutes, the yellow card was cancelled and replaced with a red card.

British media instantly reacted by comparing it with David Beckham’s red card for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone at the 1998 men’s World Cup in France. The red card means James will miss at least one game, and possibly the rest of the tournament.
Sarina Wiegman immediately switched formation after James’ sending off on Monday, bringing on Kelly to play up front on her own.
England will meet Colombia or Jamaica in Sydney next Saturday in the quarterfinals, with co-hosts Australia to face France or Morocco in Brisbane.
Goals from Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso ensured the Matlidas would not become the latest big name to crash out, following exits for the US, Germany and Brazil.

Australian fans are starting to believe their team could go all the way after star striker Sam Kerr returned from a calf injury to make her first appearance at the tournament.
In front of a crowd of 75,784 at Stadium Australia, the Matildas already put themselves on course for the last eight by the time Kerr made her entrance in the 80th minute.
Foord fired Australia in front in the 29th minute after running on to a pass from Mary Fowler. Raso then drilled home a second in the 70th minute after Emily van Egmond’s lay off.


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Fifa Women's World Cup

Fifa Women’s World Cup: England beat Nigeria on penalties after Lauren James is sent off for ‘David Beckham’ stamp

England forward Lauren James tries to help Nigeria defender  Michelle Alozie up after stamping on her. Photo: AFP

Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie (lower) is fouled by England’s Lauren James. Photo: AFP

Referee Melissa Borjas shows a red card to England’s Lauren James. Photo: AP

Australia’s Hayley Raso celebrates with Ellie Carpenter after scoring their second goal. Photo: AP

Fifa Women’s World Cup: Megan Rapinoe laments ‘sick joke’ as holders US exit after loss to Sweden in shoot-out

Megan Rapinoe of the US is devastated as a shoot-out sends her team home. Photo: Reuters

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stops Lina Hurtig’s penalty only for it to creep over the line. Photo: AFP

Sweden’s players celebrate their dramatic victory on penalties at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Photo: EPA-EFE

Netherlands’ Sherida Spitse (left) and teammate Lynn Wilms are all smiles after beating South Africa. Photo: AP

Fifa Women’s World Cup: Megan Rapinoe leaves her final tournament with pride after legendary career with US women’s football team

The US’ Megan Rapinoe (left) and Kristie Mewis contemplate the end of their World Cup after their shoot-out loss to Sweden. Photo: AFP

Sweden’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic watches as United States’ Megan Rapinoe misses her penalty shot. Photo: AP

Megan Rapinoe of the US reacts after missing a penalty during the shoot-out against Sweden. Photo: Reuter

US’ Megan Rapinoe taking a corner kick in a round of 16 match against Sweden. Photo: USWNT

Fifa Women’s World Cup: China legend Gao Hong urges more players to test themselves abroad after country’s early exit

China headed home after the Women’s World Cup’s group stage for the first time. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Shen Mengyu (centre) cuts a frustrated figure during the match against England. Photo: Xinhua

China’s players console each other after the mauling by England in their final Group D outing. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Lou Jiahui (right) cries after Tuesday’s loss forced China’s exit. Photo: Xinhua

Fifa Women’s World Cup: Zambia ‘surprised’ as coach Bruce Mwape is investigated over alleged sexual misconduct

Zambia’s head coach Bruce Mwape had earlier in the tournament dismissed previous questions about his conduct. Photo: Reuters

Bruce Mwape (left) gives instructions during his side’s clash with Spain at the World Cup. Photo: AFP

Bruce Mwape was placed under investigation after a complaint was received, Fifa announced. Photo: AP

Sport

Football

‘Lionesses’ reach quarterfinals after prevailing 4-2 in penalty shoot-out with match still goalless after extra time
England’s James shown red card for intentionally stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozia


England’s Lauren James shown red card for intentionally stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozia but ‘Lionesses’ reach World Cup quarterfinals.


David Beckham

Fifa Women’s World Cup: England beat Nigeria on penalties after Lauren James is sent off for ‘David Beckham’ stamp

‘Lionesses’ reach quarterfinals after prevailing 4-2 in penalty shoot-out with match still goalless after extra time England’s James shown red card for intentionally stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozia

‘Lionesses’ reach quarterfinals after prevailing 4-2 in penalty shoot-out with match still goalless after extra time

England’s James shown red card for intentionally stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozia