Women's World Cup: Ireland officialy knocked out while Spain survive after heavy defeat

Ireland's women's World Cup dream is officially over, if it even started. Pre-tournament underdog Nigeria used a scoreless draw against the greens on Monday to advance to the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons finished second in Group B behind tournament co-host Australia.

Each team's best chance to score in the first half came within the first 15 minutes from their respective star players. Ireland’s Katie McCabe was just off target with a left-foot shot in the 5th minute, and Asisat Oshoala couldn’t convert off a breakaway that came nine minutes later.

With the point earned from the draw, Nigeria is into the round of 16. The 40th-ranked team in the world avoided defeat in all three of its group-stage matches, including a shock 3-2 win over Australia.

Ireland's women's team heads home after earning one point in its first major global tournament. The team will look to use the experience gained to its advantage as it attempts to qualify for its first-ever Women’s European Championship in 2025.

As the runner-up in Group B, Nigeria will play the winners of Group D next Monday in Brisbane.

Japan scored three times from lightning breaks in the first half, once in the second, and defended resolutely to trounce Spain 4-0 on Monday and top Group C at the Women's World Cup.

Both teams had already clinched places in the round of 16, Japan for the fourth World Cup in succession, Spain for the second. 

Golden Ball winner Alexia Putellas' Spain had an overwhelming majority of possession in the half; by the 25-minute mark it had enjoyed 68% and had more than 230 completed passes to Japan's 43. But it was timid, reluctant to go forward and played mostly around the middle of the field, keeping the ball on the ground in the