Simon scores twice as Australia overwhelm Nigeria 2-0

Updated: May 17, 2024, 06:16 am
The Matildas got back on track after a 3-1 opening defeat against the U.S.
Michael Chow/USA TODAY Sports

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Kyah Simon scored twice to lead Australia to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a group stage match Friday at the Women's World Cup.

Simon beat Nigeria goalkeeper Precious Dede on a feed from Lisa De Vanna to put the Matildas up 1-0 in the 29th minute. She then found herself unguarded in the front of the goal to put away Samantha Kerr's arcing cross in the 68th minute.

Australia, ranked No. 10 in the world, fell 3-1 to the second-ranked United States in its Group D opener. The Matildas have been to six World Cups, with a best finish of sixth in 2007.

Nigeria, ranked No. 33, surprised fifth-ranked Sweden in the opener, coming back from a 2-0 deficit for a 3-3 tie. The perennial African champion Super Falcons have been to all seven Women's World Cups. Their best finish was a quarterfinal appearance in 1999.