When Lauren James was sent off after 87 minutes in Brisbane yesterday, England's World Cup hopes were in the balance.
Nigeria were already well on top and the Lionesses had to navigate extra-time a player down.
Step forward Millie Bright, who delivered a true captain's performance.
The centre-back had a slow start to the tournament but rose to the occasion, digging deep and leading from the front to help the Lionesses grind their way to penalties. She headed nearly every ball, threw herself into blocks and, most impressively, kept star Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala quiet, despite the Barcelona forward being fresh off the bench.
Yesterday felt like a situation Bright is made for. It was backs-to-the-wall defending and there are few players in the world, if any, better than the 29-year-old at that. Just as important, though, was the way Bright led the team.
She is wearing the armband in the absence of the injured Leah Williamson and yesterday showed a calmness reminiscent of the regular skipper.
Digging in when the going gets tough is something Bright has worked on at Chelsea under manager Emma Hayes.
"Keep the belief, keep the calmness and always find a way to win," said Bright, when asked how she deals with those situations.
"I'd probably say that calmness is the biggest area where I've seen a lot of growth in myself. I think mainly through club level at first, Emma for me has been a great mentor."
Bright's journey to this World Cup has not been an easy one. She injured her knee in March and has described her rehab as "brutal".
Her first competitive action after surgery was England's opener against Haiti and, understandably, she lacked sharpness in a 1-0 win. But with every minute she has played, Bright has got better and is growing into this tournament.
She will turn 30 the day after the final later this month. Waking up in bed with the World Cup trophy would be the perfect way to celebrate.
