User:Powerballsitecom
Nigeria draws 0-0 with powerhouse Canada at Women's World Cup
Nigeria held powerhouse Canada to a 0-0 draw at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023.
The Super Eagles played Canada to a 0-0 draw in their Group B opener at Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, on June 21.
It wasn't an upset, but it was an unexpected result.
Nigeria is ranked 40th in the FIFA rankings, with a quarterfinal appearance in 1999 in the United States being their best result.
Canada, ranked seventh in the FIFA rankings, finished fourth at the 2003 tournament in the United States and have been a perennial tournament favorite ever since.
They have been particularly strong at the Olympics, winning gold at Tokyo 2020.
Nigeria leaned heavily on their defense against Canada and succeeded in keeping a clean sheet until the end of the match.
They had a scare in the second half when Deborah Abiodun was sent off, but they remained focused until the end.
Canada's only disappointment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time when captain Christine Sinclair missed a penalty kick.
In Group B, co-hosts Australia (3 points), who beat Ireland 1-0 the day before, sit atop the standings. They are followed by Nigeria and Canada, who share a point apiece.
In the other Group A match at Dunedin Stadium in New Zealand, Switzerland defeated the Philippines 2-0.
The Swiss, who reached the round of 16 at the 2015 tournament, are looking to make it back to the round of 16 after an eight-year absence.
The Philippines, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, played well against the Swiss but were unable to overcome the power differential.
Switzerland tops Group A on goal difference, ahead of fellow hosts New Zealand, who beat Norway 1-0 the day before. Norway is third and the Philippines is fourth.
In the other Group C match at the Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, Spain defeated Costa Rica 3-0.
With three points, Spain moved into first place in Group C, while Costa Rica dropped to fourth. 파워볼사이트
