Lauren James’s ultimate brain fade has marred England’s passage through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria.
As the goalless Round of 16 contest edged towards extra time, James was sent off for stomping on Michelle Alozie in a bizarre show of frustration that could end her tournament.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: England star Lauren James sent off for crude act.
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Despite being down to 10 players, England held on through extra time and survived a penalty shootout.
But James’s absence looms large as the star No.7 waits to learn if her automatic one-game ban will be upgraded to three matches, which would rule her out of a potential final.
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England’s hopes of victory in the shootout were almost derailed with the first attempt when Georgia Stanway blasted her shot wide.
But she was let off by Desire Oparanozie making the same mistake before stomp victim Alozie sent Nigeria’s next attempt well over the bar.
Chloe Kelly sparked rapturous scenes of relief among the English camp when she converted the winning penalty.
England will face Colombia or Jamaica in Sydney on Saturday night for a place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will be left to rue that they could not take advantage of having an extra player for the entirety of extra time.
The Super Falcons were gunning to become the first African nation to win a Women’s World Cup knockout game.
More to come…
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