England will face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Saturday following their 1-0 round-of-16 win over Jamaica.
It was a relatively subdued first half as both teams failed to carve out any clear-cut opportunities. A number of injury stoppages meant neither team was able to find any real rhythm and there was just two shots on target across the first 45 minutes.
Colombia had their moment after the break as 33-year-old Catalina Usme fired them in front from close range. For Jamaica, it was the first time they've conceded at this tournament so far after shutting out France, Panama and Brazil in the group stages.
They kept pushing for a second late on as 18-year-old Linda Caicedo caused the Jamaican back line all sorts of problems. But, the one goal was enough as Colombia lined up a quarter-final clash with the Lionesses.
England themselves only just about clawed their way into the last eight ahead of Nigeria on Monday. Their match in Brisbane was goalless after 120 minutes, but it was the Super Falcons who looked the likeliest to score.
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The Lionesses ' task was made even greater in the second half when Lauren James was shown a red card for trampling on Michelle Alozie's back. Sarina Wiegman's side had to play the remainder of normal time and 30 minutes of extra time with just 10 players.
However, it was in the penalty shootout England finally showed their class. Despite Georgia Stanway stepping up first and missing her spot-kick, they went on to beat Nigeria 4-2.
Bethany England, Alex Greenwood, Rachel Daly and Chloe Kelly all cooly dispatched their penalties to send England through to the quarter-finals. It was by no means a glamourous performance from the European Champions, but they just about did enough to keep their World Cup dream alive.
They will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Sydney. The match at Stadium Australia will kick off at 11:30am as the Lionesses prepare for another stern knockout test.
Should England progress once again, Australia, France or Morocco are among the teams they could meet in the semi-finals next week.
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