Kyah Simon's double has given the Matildas a 2-0 win over
Nigeria and a route into the Women's World Cup knockout stages.
Returning to the Winnipeg Stadium where Australia lost 3-1
in their tournament opener, a goal in each half to Simon re-ignited the
Matildas' challenge.
Australian skipper Lisa De Vanna turned provider against the
African champions with a determined drive.
De Vanna, who shrugged off an ankle complaint to play,
bustled past two defenders and was hacked down by a third just as she released
Simon on the left.
The striker finished cleanly with her non-preferred left
foot past Nigerian keeper Precious Dede.
The 23-year-old added to her tally in the second half by
beating the offside trap and volleying home Sam Kerr's ball over the top.
While the Matildas didn't reproduce their effervescent best
from Tuesday morning's loss to the United States, the reversed result delighted
coach Alen Stajcic.
The win means the Matildas are likely to need just a draw
against Sweden in their final group game on Thursday morning (AEST) to qualify
for the round of 16.
Simon was one of three players recalled to the starting
line-up, alongside first-choice goalkeeper Lydia Williams and central defender
Alanna Kennedy.
Kerr and Katrina Gorry provided Australia's early running
before Simon took control.
Overcoming an ACL injury to take her place at the
tournament, Sydney FC striker Simon celebrated her goals richly.
Australia's defenders, recast by Kennedy's inclusion, were
sharp and always aware to counter the Nigerian threat.
In the game's late stages, Kerr looked to be the victim of a
vicious elbow to the face from Nigerian defender Ugo Njoku, leaving the field
in tears.
The tenacious forward returned to the field to see a De
Vanna volley well saved by Dede and Laura Alleway's flick hit the crossbar as
the Matildas looked to add to their tally.
With Nigeria offering a disjointed performance, the Matildas
secured the win that lifts them to second in Group D.
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