Postpublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
HT: Australia 1-1 Nigeria
Here's how Australia got off the mark...
Summary
Nigeria come from 1-0 down to beat Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia
Kanu, Ohale and Oshoala give Nigeria memorable win in Group B
Van Egmond earlier slotted Australia ahead, while Kennedy scored late consolation
Australia would have qualified for knockout stage with victory
Postpublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
'Australia need to move the ball quicker'published at 12:03 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
HT: Australia 1-1 Nigeria
Steph Houghton
Manchester City defender on BBC TwoOne of Australia's biggest strengths is their physicality and pace, but against a Nigeria side that were defending deep they had to find a way to move the ball a bit quicker.
It was only for the goal that they managed to get those combinations going and up the tempo, and it finally opened up Nigeria.
'Nigeria had shown what they were capable of'published at 12:00 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
HT: Australia 1-1 Nigeria
Rachel Brown-Finnis
Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC TwoWhat an exciting end to the half!
Nigeria had to do that after Australia had taken the lead.
They had been so defensive up until that point and they just had to go out and express themselves.
They had shown early signs of what they could do, especially on the counter-attack.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 1-1 Nigeria
A dramatic ending to that opening half.
Emily van Egmond's goal confirmed Australia's dominance but it all came crashing down for the Matildas as Uchenna Kanu found the back of the net at the other end.
Image source, Getty Images'Needless from Gorry and Nigeria capitalise'published at 11:54 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 1-1 Nigeria
Gilly Flaherty
Former England defender on BBC TwoIf you look at where the phase initially starts, Gorry comes steaming out with the ball, she gets turned and Nigeria break away.
It is great play from Nigeria to capitalise.
And it ends with a very smart finish from Kanu, not sure there is much Mackenzie Arnold can do about that.
GOAL - Australia 1-1 Nigeriapublished at 40 + 5 mins
Uchenna Kanu
Wow, what a few minutes to end that first half.
After the elation of Emily van Egmond's goal, Australia are left dumbstruck as Uchenna Kanu is left unmarked at the back post for an easy finish.
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images'Commentators curse!'published at 11:51 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 1-0 Nigeria
Gilly Flaherty
Former England defender on BBC Two
Image source, Getty ImagesCommentator's curse! I just said Nigeria would be going in the happier of the two teams but that won't be the case now!
The timing of the goal for Australia is absolutely crucial.
Van Egmond follows her run onto the edge of the box and she just passes the ball into the bottom corner.
She doesn't try to smash it, she just calmly slots it past the on-rushing keeper.
GOAL - Australia 1-0 Nigeriapublished at 40 + 1 min
Emily van Egmond
It's a goal for Australia.
Caitlin Foord places a pass onto the penalty spot for Emily van Egmond to run onto and she coolly slots it into the bottom right corner, past the reach of Chiamaka Nnadozie.
What a moment for Van Egmond. She came into the starting line-up tonight as Mary Fowler's replacement, with Fowler originally chosen to act as Sam Kerr's back-up.
Postpublished at 11:46 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Sanny Rudravajhala
Reporting for 5 Live SportIt’s been an entertaining opening so far. So often we see teams in tournaments playing as if they don’t want to lose, but both are playing positively. Both missing star players but the rest are showing what they’re made of. Good stuff!
'Pure frustration for Australia'published at 11:44 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Gilly Flaherty
Former England defender on BBC Two
Image source, Getty ImagesNigeria are defending so well, they're getting so many bodies around the ball that is is proving so difficult for Australia to get a clear chance.
Frustration at the end from Van Egmond, who smashes her shot straight over the bar.
Postpublished at 40 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
That wasn't far off for Nigeria.
Christy Ucheibe hits the ball on the half-volley for their first effort on goal but it's deflected wide by her own team-mate Ashleigh Plumptre.
Postpublished at 38 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Nigeria are only just holding on. Nearly the whole team are behind the ball and blocking Australia's sight on goal as Caitlin Foord has a couple of thumping efforts blocked.
Postpublished at 35 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Corner number seven for Australia. They're bound to score from one of these, aren't they?
But Nigeria are coping well with them so far as Steph Catley hits another long-range effort wide.
CLOSE!published at 31 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Image source, Getty ImagesOooh. The Australian crowd thought that was in.
More corners for Australia and this one finds Hayley Raso at the back post but her header is just off target, hitting the side netting.
'Nigeria crowding Australia out'published at 11:32 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Gilly Flaherty
Former England defender on BBC TwoEvery time an Australian gets the ball there's about 10 Nigeria players around them.
Australia need to be more clever and find out where the free players are and how to find them.
Postpublished at 29 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Steph Catley whips in another corner which Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie can get nowhere near to.
It's cleared eventually but the second ball comes in for Emily van Egmond, who can only head it into the ground and not on target.
Postpublished at 28 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Nigeria are yet to have an attempt on goal in this match.
Australia are really dominating the possession now with the majority of play happening in the Super Falcons' half.
YELLOW CARD - Aloziepublished at 24 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Michelle Alozie gets the first booking of the game.
She misses the ball completely and her outstretched leg catches Cortnee Vine, who whacks her head off the turf.
The Australia midfielder receives some medical treatment but she's back on her feet and looks good to go.
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involvedpublished at 11:20 British Summer Time 27 July 2023
#bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826
Sulaimon: Nigeria is without Oshoala in the starting XI, but we have Ajibade, Kanu and Onumonu. So no Oshoala, no problem.
Postpublished at 17 mins
Australia 0-0 Nigeria
Uchenna Kanu is through on goal and one on one with the Australia keeper but she slips and the ball runs out of play.