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Emily van Egmond guided residence the opening aim and ran to have a good time with the sidelined Sam Kerr and it appeared like issues had been going to script for the Matildas.
The 30-year-old’s first World Cup aim since 2011 had the host’s foot by means of the door and into the knockout levels.
However they blinked.
Barely 20 minutes later it had fallen to items as Nigeria took over and there was no Kerr there to dig Australia out of the outlet.
The celebrity, battling a calf damage, could not see a minute of the match now as Australia seemingly want a win over Olympic champions Canada on Monday to keep away from a shock group-stage exit.
There have been good indicators early because the Matildas dominated territory and located area within the pockets, solely to overlook the final go.
There have been worries too, Ellie Carpenter’s turnovers on the appropriate facet uncharacteristic and taking stress off because the Matildas tried to push the tempo.
In for the concussed Mary Fowler, van Egmond supplied the breath-easy second in damage time of the primary half.
However with the final kick of the half Nigeria had an equaliser and, with all to play for within the second half, it was the hosts’ defence that broke down.
First Mackenzie Arnold was unable to correctly clear a nook, Osinachi Ohale copping Alanna Kennedy’s boot within the abdomen for her troubles as she scored the go-ahead aim.
It received worse although, Kennedy’s heavy contact catching Arnold out of place, with Asisat Oshoaloa gifted Nigeria’s third aim.
The Matildas pressed and probed however pictures sailed excessive and huge, Tony Gustavsson’s first transfer substituting on central defender Clare Polkinghorne as Nigeria battened down the hatches.
Twenty eight pictures to 11 within the Matildas’ favour, the hosts having fun with 64 per cent of possession however they may discover no method by means of.
Caitlin Foord’s header from point-blank vary went straight into the arms of Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Kennedy pulled one again deep in damage time after which Nnadozie stepped as much as save Carpenter’s late effort.
There was a collective groan at Suncorp Stadium that can linger this weekend, the Matildas needing to haul themselves off the canvas to remain within the battle.
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