Australia’s chances of reaching the World Cup knockout phases of their home tournament hang in the balance after they fell to a shock 3-2 defeat to nifty Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Brisbane.
The co-hosts now face an uphill battle to qualify from Group B, with both Nigeria and Canada in pole position to progress – both locked on four points at the top of the standings.
Canada are second on four points, while Australia are now third on three points and will need to beat the Canadians Monday morning to stay alive in this tournament.
Australia took the lead in first half stoppage time, but moments later the Super Falcons restored parity through Uchenna Kanu.
The World Cup co-hosts created the better chances in the first period, but somehow the Falcons defence weathered the storm before the stoppage time goals.
Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute when she bravely connected a loose ball all the way into the net.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala then made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute, when she profited from a mix-up between the Australian defender and her goalkeeper by stabbing home from an acute angle.
