Sarina Wiegman who is England’s coach has come out to claim that Lauren James’ reckless stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie during the Round 16 match in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup yesterday, was due to tiredness rather than malice.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that James was shown a straight red card for violent conduct during the Lioness’ narrow last-16 victory against Super Falcons on Monday.
This meant Wiegman’s team was reduced to 10 players for the entirety of extra-time, before winning 4-2 on penalties.
Wiegman defended the Chelsea forward and said it was a ‘very unfortunate’ incident.
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‘She’s young and this is just a split second, she doesn’t want to harm anyone. It’s later on in the game, so you get a little bit tired too.
‘It’s such an intense and emotional game that in a split second where you just don’t control your emotions, then things happen.
‘Of course, she didn’t want to do that, but before she’d even realised it had happened. Very unfortunate. She will absolutely learn from it,’ Wiegman stated.
Despite their loss to England, Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is optimistic about the team’s future and believes they have great potential. This setback at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will not hinder their progress.
The Super Falcons on Monday crashed out of the tournament after losing to the Three Lionesses of England in their Round of 16 match at the Brisbane Stadium in Queensland Australia on Monday.
Both teams played out a goalless draw during regulation time and with the game proceeding into extra time, Lauren James received a red card for a needless stamp on Michelle Alozie.
Despite England being one player down, the European nation held on for the whole duration of extra time after which they defeated Nigeria 4-2 during the penalty shootout.
Waldrum speaking at the post-match press said the Super Falcons’ impressive performance at the Women’s World Cup had made the football world sit up and take notice.
The American also said that Nigeria who came into the tournament ranked 40th in the world had done both their country and the continent of Africa proud.