Women's World Cup: Nigeria stun hosts Australia; United States & Netherlands replay 2019 final

Day eight of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw the continuation of the second matchday, with Nigeria shocking co-hosts Australia by coming from behind to win 3-2 in Group B.

The United States picked up a point against the Dutch in what was a repeat of the 2019 final while Portugal managed a 2-0 victory against Vietnam

Australia 2-3 Nigeria – Group B

Nigeria stunned Australia with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Lang Park, leaving the co-hosts' tournament hopes hanging in the balance.

Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala emerged off the bench as her team's hero when she volleyed a crucial goal in the 72nd minute, sealing a well-deserved win.

Australia took the lead through Emily van Egmond just before half-time. However, Nigeria's Uchenna Kanu quickly responded, cancelling out that advantage and setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

In the 65th minute, Osinachi Ohale capitalised on an opportunity to nudge her team ahead, and Oshoala's goal to make it 3-1 then sparked incredible celebrations from the entire Nigeria team and their supporters throughout the stadium.

Alanna Kennedy headed home a goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Nigeria managed to keep their composure, holding on to their lead and clinching one of the most significant victories in their history at the global showpiece.

Ranked 10th in the world, Australia had been aiming to secure a place in the knockout stages with a win. Yet, Nigeria, 30 places below them in those standings, showcased remarkable resilience and determination, proving that in football, rankings don't always define the outcome.

The win catapulted Nigeria to the top of Group B, tied with Canada on four points but ahead on goal difference. The 11-time African champions are now eyeing their next challenge as they face the Republic of Ireland in their final group match.

"I think they are still singing and dancing in [the dressing room] now, I can't get in there to get in a word," joked head coach Randy Waldrum after the match.

"So many people didn't believe in them, didn't believe in me," he continued.

Victory also sparked conversation on how the team have yet to be paid outstanding bonuses by their federation from two years ago.

For the Matildas, the loss dealt a blow to their aspirations in the tournament. Missing their talismanic striker Sam Kerr, as well as Mary Fowler due to injuries, Australia's makeshift forward line struggled to convert numerous chances into goals throughout the match.

With a must-win situation ahead, Australia's last group match against Olympic champions Canada becomes do-or-die. The Matildas, who considered themselves serious title contenders, will now have to summon all their talent and determination to secure a spot in the last 16.

READ MORE ON THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

United States 1-1 Netherlands – Group E

The United States battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in what was billed as the match to watch in Group E.

The Netherlands took the lead early in the 17th minute, courtesy of a combination play between Lieke Martens and Victoria Pelova, leading to Jill Roord's precise but powerful finish from the edge of the box, putting the US on the back foot at half-time and trailing in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011.

The Americans responded quickly, launching attempts by Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Horan, but Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar managed to keep them at bay.

However, co-captain Horan provided the much-needed response in the 62nd minute, heading in a goal from a perfectly placed corner by Rose Lavelle. Right before, Horan got involved in a argument with her Lyon teammate Danielle van de Donk, which lead to a talking to from the referee.

In the latter stages of the match, Julie Ertz blocked a dangerous shot by Esmee Brugts in the 80th minute and Sophia Smith's effort on the other end was cleared off the line by Martens, ultimately resulting in a draw.

"These games are battles from the first second to the last...the only thing you can say is women's football has evolved a lot," said Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker.

"Before the match I didn't want a draw - we wanted to win. But after the second half, that's what we wanted because the US were really strong."

With this result, the United States stays top of Group E on goal difference, narrowly ahead of the Netherlands. They will now gear up for their final group match against Portugal next Tuesday, while the Netherlands will face Vietnam at the same time, aiming to close the gap and seize the top spot.

Portugal 2-0 Vietnam – Group E

Telma Encarnacao scored and assisted in Portugal's first ever World Cup victory against fellow debutants Vietnam.

Head coach Francisco Neto made seven changes to the team that started against the Netherlands, and the revamped starting XI delivered a much-improved performance.

Their decisive victory was forged in the first half, with Encarnacao showcasing her prowess by opening the scoring in the 7th minute with a smart first-time finish from Lucia Alves' cross. She then turned provider, setting up Francisca Nazareth, who skillfully found the net in the 21st minute.

Vietnam's goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, who had an impressive performance against the United States in their opening defeat, was again crucial in ensuring that Portugal did not add more goals.

"In the first half, I was not satisfied with the team," Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung said. "They are 11 ranks higher than us and they come from Europe so, yes, they are much better than us. This is a lesson for us. As a coach, I have learnt a lot [from this tournament]. "We see our weaknesses, and we can learn from this."

WATCH THE LATEST WORLD CUP EDITION OF 90MIN TALKS

Shebahn Aherne is joined by Girls on the Ball, Chloe Morgan and 90min's Lizzy Becherano to review the World Cup's opening fixtures. England's narrow win over an impressive Haiti is also analysed, as are the Lionesses' attacking concerns going forward.

If you can't see this embed, click here to watch the podcast!