FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – ENGLAND EYE QUARTER FINALS

WELLINGTON – England have all but qualified for the quarter-finals of New Zealand – 2008 after hitting Nigeria with a late sucker-punch courtesy of Jessica Holbrook.

The victory

Jessica Holbrook’s strike in the 79th minute was enough to give the Young Lionesses a somewhat fortunate victory over Nigeria, who could not make their territorial dominance count in Wellington. England now look almost certain to progress from Group D.

Nigeria dominated the early stages with their admirable fluidity and crisp ball control, but without reward. An England back-header was headed against her own bar by Jordan Nobbs on seven minutes, and two minutes later Ngozi Okobi just failed to capitalise on Ebere Orji’s excellent right-wing run and cross. At the other end, Rebecca Jane’s 20-metre chip was turned onto the bar by Nigerian keeper Marbel Egwuenu.

On 32 minutes, Orji was clean through on goal but took too long over her shot, and the Nigerian frustration continued when Desire Oparanozie’s close-range header flew wide just before half-time.

Nigeria continued to dominate well into the second half, and twice in the early minutes Lauren Davey saved well from substitute Amarachi Okoronkwo.

Yet it was England who took the lead, when a long throw in the 79th minute was flicked on to Jessica Holbrook, who finished well with her right foot. It proved enough, as the Young Lionesses stepped up their game towards the close.

Nigeria coach Felix Ibe Ukwu lamented his team’s series of missed chances.

“Football is a game of opportunities, and we played well for 90 minutes, but didn’t make the most of our opportunities. But I am confident for the game against Brazil, I have no fear. I know we will qualify, I am sure we will qualify!,” Ukwu said.

England – with two wins from two matches – are all but certainties for a quarter-final berth but coach Lois Ridler preferred to downplay the situation.

“In terms of the physical qualities of the Nigerian side, we always knew this was going to be a tough match, and it was. I didn’t see the goal coming, to be honest!

The back four were outstanding today, for the second game in a row. We’re not taking anything for granted for the Korea [Republic] game, either in terms of results or preparation…we’re not through yet!,” Ridler said.

Image courtesy Foto-Net and www.fifa.com 

Attendance: N/A

NIG: 12. Marbel EGWUENU [gk] ©; 3. Doris EWHUBARE  4.Martina OHADUGHA, 6. Gloria OFOEGBU, 9. Desire OPARANOZIE (13. Valentine IBE 86’), 14. Soo ADEKWAGH, 15. Helen UKAONU, 16. Regina MACFANCY, 17. Ebere ORJI (10. Amarachi OKORONKWO 40’), 18. Josephine CHUKWUNONYE 20. Ngozi OKOBI (11. Amenze AIGHEWI 50’).

Subtitutes Not Used: 1. Favour OKEKE [rgk], 21. Asebe ADAMU [rgk], 2. Nina EGEONU

, 5. Maria NWOKO, 7. Eno UMOH, 8. Ngozi EBERE, , 19. Prudent UGOH.

Yellow Cards: None.

Red Cards: None.

Coach: IBE UKWU Felix (NIG)

ENG: 1. Lauren DAVEY [gk]; 3. Naomi CHADWICK, 4 Jessica HOLBROOK (19. Paige ELI 87’), 5. Jodie JACOBS, 6. Gemma BONNER, 7. Rebecca JANE (18. Rachel PITMAN 67’), 8. Jordan NOBBS ©, 9. Danielle CARTER, 10. Isobel CHRISTIANSEN, 12. Lucia BRONZE (2. Rachel DALY 67’), 16. Lauren BRUTON (11. Lucy STANIFORTH 90’+2).

Substitutes Not Used:13. Amy CARR [rgk], 14. Stephanie MARSH, 15. Jemma ROSE, 17. Sarah WILTSHIRE, 20. Kirsty LINNETT, 21. Juliana DRAYCOTT [rgk].

Yellow cards: 5. Jodie JACOBS 24’.

Red cards: None.

Coach: Lois RIDLER (ENG)

Referee: FUKANO Etsuko (JPN)

Assistant Referee 1: HONG Kum Nyo (PRK)

Assistant Referee 2: PAK Yong Sun (PRK)

4th official: KAMNUENG Pannipar (THA)

Group D

Standings – 02.11.08