Matildas' Women World Cup hopes are dealt huge blow

Matildas’ Women World Cup hopes are dealt huge blow as Nigeria STUN Australia with famous 3-2 win in Brisbane

  • Nigeria beat Australia 3-2 in Brisbane on Thursday night 
  • Matildas must beat Canada to go through to the Round of 16 
  • RECAP: Re-live all the action from the Matildas’ second World Cup clash 

When Emily van Egmond guided home the opening goal and ran to celebrate with the sidelined Sam Kerr, it looked like things were going to script for the Matildas.

The 30-year-old’s first World Cup goal since 2011 had the host’s foot through the door and into the knockout stages.

But they blinked.

Barely 20 minutes later it had fallen to pieces as Nigeria took over and there was no Kerr there to dig Australia out of the hole.

The superstar, battling a calf injury, may not see a minute of the tournament now as Australia likely need a win over Olympic champions Canada on Monday to avoid a shock group-stage exit.

Asisat Oshoala scored Nigeria’s third goal in a famous 3-1 win over Australia

There were good signs early as the Matildas dominated territory and found space in the pockets, only to miss the last pass.

There were worries too, Ellie Carpenter’s turnovers on the right side uncharacteristic and taking pressure off as the Matildas tried to push the pace.

In for the concussed Mary Fowler, van Egmond provided the breath-easy moment in injury time of the first half.

But with the last kick of the half Nigeria had an equaliser and, with all to play for in the second half, it was the hosts’ defence that broke down.

First Mackenzie Arnold was unable to properly clear a corner, Osinachi Ohale copping Alanna Kennedy’s boot in the stomach for her troubles as she scored the go-ahead goal.

It got worse though, Kennedy’s heavy touch catching Arnold out of position, with Asisat Oshoaloa gifted Nigeria’s third goal.

The Matildas pressed and probed but shots sailed high and wide, Tony Gustavsson’s first move substituting on central defender Clare Polkinghorne as Nigeria battened down the hatches.

Twenty eight shots to 11 in the Matildas’ favour, the hosts enjoying 64 per cent of possession but they could find no way through.

Caitlin Foord’s header from point-blank range went straight into the arms of Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Kennedy pulled one back deep in injury time and then Nnadozie stepped up to save Carpenter’s late effort.

There was a collective groan at Suncorp Stadium that will linger this weekend, the Matildas needing to haul themselves off the canvas to stay in the fight.

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