The Day Lionesses of England saw Red

 

How Super Falcons of Nigeria Held Lionesses of England Hostage and Tortured for More than 120 minutes - What English Fans Are Now Saying

A below-par England survived 120 minutes of Nigeria dominance to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw, despite Lauren James' petulant red card.

It was another game where the lesser-deserving team made it into the last eight on penalties, almost a carbon copy of the USA's exit to Sweden.

But somehow, England rode the wave of Nigeria pressure to take the game all the way to penalties. 

Following their penalty shootout victory, England have reached at least the quarter final stage at all six Fifa Women’s World Cup tournaments they have appeared in.

It was a game Lionesses and their fans and indeed, the whole world will not forget in a hurry. The European champions (ranked 4th in the world), one of the favourites, where held down by Nigeria's Super Falcons, their tooth plunked out and crawls cut off and let to look like flock of lamb on the pitch. So powerless.

This was a serious warning shot that they need to improve in the last eight, though. They're unlikely to get away with a display like this again.

The question open for debate will be was the Lionesses lackluster or did they face Nigerian ladies who came out smoking and totally outplay this reigning European champions.

Truly, something special is going for this English team and that thing is called LUCK! that's what the Nigerian team didn't have after all.

20 shots to England's 10, two hit the woodwork, three just slips over the bar and would not enter the net, 68% ball possession to 32%, the Nigerian ladies did everything better than the opponent and yet did not win.

These are what the English fans, former players and coaches are saying:

Nigeria are fantastic'

Karen Bardsley: Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

"Nigeria are a fantastic side. They played with so much freedom, allowing their front three to attack and those interchanges of the wide players, you could see England struggled to cope with the fluidity of it.

I'm relieved that we managed to get through that because I was wondering where the goals were going to come from to be honest."

2. Hard truths are needed in England dressing room'

Anita Asante: Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

"England will go back, analyse the game and hopefully there will be some hard truths in the changing room.

They need to hold each other accountable, including that moment with Lauren James.

England are very lucky to have progressed to the quarter-finals and they definitely need to step up performances if they want to get all the way to a final."

3. Talk about digging deep!

Alex Scott: Former England and Arsenal defender on BBC One

"When you win tournaments you need luck, magic. England have found a way.

England were staring down the barrel of a World Cup exit after being second best to Nigeria and then losing Lauren James to a red card late in the 90 minutes.

But once again, the Lionesses find a way.

When the dust settles, they'll realise they got out of jail because they did not play well."

4. Nigeria are a credit to their nation'

Ellen White: Former England striker on BBC One

"Nigeria are a credit to their nation, their performance was incredible.

I'm devastated for them but this tournament will really bring them together."

5  Jonas Eidevall: Arsenal manager on BBC One

"This is knockout football. If you're going to go all the way and win a World Cup you might need to win a shootout. Now, if this comes up in the competition again, England will be ready for it.

England's going to be really happy to be through. There's lots of things to improve but now they've got a couple of days."