Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood console Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie – who was in tears – after the Lionesses edge through to the World Cup quarter-finals on penalties
- England reached the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Nigeria on penalties
- The Lionesses’ Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly smashed home the winning spot kick
- She then consoled Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nandozie with Alex Greenwood
Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood immediately went over to console Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the aftermath of England’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory in the last-16 of the World Cup.
After a tense encounter in which the Lionesses were at nowhere near their best, they held their nerve on spot kicks to progress to the quarter-finals where they will take on either Colombia or Jamaica.
And after Kelly smashed in the winning penalty with a stunning spot kick right into the top left hand corner, England’s match-winning hero went over to check Nnadozie – who was on the floor in tears – was OK.
She was joined by her team-mate Greenwood as the pair lifted the Nigeria stopper up off the floor in a superb show of gamesmanship.
The west African side were extremely unfortunate to go out as despite being ranked 40th in the world, they were the better team across the 120 minutes.
Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood immediately went over to console Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the aftermath of England’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory
Kelly smashed in the winning penalty as she thumped her effort into the top left hand corner
However, they can be proud of their tournament as they secured a memorable win against Australia in the group stage and were unbeaten in normal time across their four games.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were hampered on Monday by Lauren James being sent off in the second half for violent conduct when she stamped on Michelle Alozie after conceding a free kick.
Lucy Bronze was also perhaps fortunate to not concede a penalty after a shove in the box, but the Lionesses managed to stay in the tournament.
After Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty, Beth England, Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood netted their spot kicks.
The stage then came to Kelly – who was a national hero after her match-winning goal in last summer’s Euro 2022 final against Germany – and the Man City forward made no mistake.
Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie were guilty of putting their efforts off target for Nigeria as they were made to rue missed opportunities.
Nnadozie (bottom left) was in tears after her nation crashed out in cruel circumstances
It is the second time Kelly has been the match-winning hero for England in a major tournament
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