Australia clip Falcons’ wings

Nigeria women bowed 2-0 to Australia women in
their second group game at the 2015 Fifa
Women’s World Cup played at theWinnipeg
Stadium, Winnipeg on Friday night.
A brace from Kyah Simon were all Alan Stajcic’s
needed to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to
USA against the Falcons who they were playing
for the first time.
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Both team were facing for the first time ever but
the Nigerians looked the brighter side in the
opening 10 minutes but failed to convert begging
chances that came their way.
After minutes of a barren encounter, Simon put
her side ahead with a fine finish. Captain Lisa De
Vanna made a driving run through Nigerian
defence before passing to Kyah Simon, who lifted
the ball over Precious Dede to give the Matildas
the lead.
The Aussies nearly made it 2-0 through danger
woman Simon and De Vanna’s efforts were
blocked.
On the other end, Edwin Okon ladies launched a
comeback but goalkeeper Lydia Williams was at
her best as she saved goal-bound shot from
Oparanozie and Ngozi Okobi.
On resumption of the second half, the Australians
continue to dominate as Nigeria – once a while
threatened the Maltildas’ backline. Ngozi Okobi
attempted an ambitious volley from long-range,
which drew a gasp from the fans, but her effort
sailed high.
The Matildas doubled their lead with Simon
scoring her second after Samantha Kerr floated in
a lofted cross that found her and Tameka Butt
unmarked. Simon was in a better position to put
it past Dede, which she did comfortably.
Even with the introduction of Perpetua Nkwocha
and Courtney Dike, the Falcons’ failed to re-enact
their act which saw them force a draw off the
Swedes.
Laura Alleway was denied by the crossbar in the
final minutes, and Australia never looked troubled
at the other end of the pitch as they held on to
keep the clean sheet intact for Williams.
Nigeria must now beat the USA on Tuesday night
to stand a chance of making it to the round of 16.