Every time Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala touched the ball against Canada, or was just in its vicinity, a deafening roar echoed around the stadium, the decibels only rising as the match went on. Charging through the middle of the Canadian defence, with Francisca Ordega flying down the wing on her left, the power of Oshoala’s aura could be felt from the furthest corners of the stands.
Opposite them in red was one of the best women’s footballers the world has seen – Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair comes with her own aura – but the veteran’s saved second-half penalty was reflective of her team’s efforts throughout. No matter the star power on the field in Melbourne, goals win matches, and neither team was able to break through in this second Group B match.
