Australia produced an assured performance to beat African champions Nigeria 2-0 at the Winnipeg Stadium in the Group D of the FIFA Women&rsquo;s World Cup in Canada on Friday night.<br /><br />The Aussies were much more forward-thinking than during their nervous opening match with USA providing a constant threat to Super Falcons&rsquo; goal while also nullifying the meek attacking threat provided by their overwhelmed opponents.<br /><br />Kyah Simon capped an impressive performance with two goals - the first a close range strike, the second she profited from poor defending by the Africans.<br /><br />The victory not only advances Australia to three points ahead of their final group game with Sweden.<br /><br />This defeat leaves Nigeria facing an uphill task to secure a place in the last 16.<br /><br />Prior to the game, both coaches had promised positive approaches from their sides, and so it proved in an entertaining match that not only improved on what Group D had offered, but what the tournament on the whole has provided thus far.<br /><br />Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon kept essentially the same side - and the same shape from the 3-3 draw with Sweden. <br /><br />Their performance was more in keeping with their passionate second-half display against the Swedes, but they were unable to pose enough of a threat to trouble the Aussies.<br /><br />Having navigated a tricky opening game against Sweden relatively unscathed and knowing here lay their chance to seize control of Group D, Nigeria opted for a three woman strike force, with Desire Oparanozie partnering Asisat Oshoala upfront, while Francisca Ordega played in a withdrawn attacking role.<br /><br />Simon was the difference - dropping deep to collect possession and influence her side&rsquo;s attacks and providing the moment of individual brilliance that gave Australia the lead 29 minutes through the first half via a brilliant finish after Lisa De Vanna had dribbled past three Nigerian players to set her up.<br /><br />She also demonstrated an immense level of composure to emphatically hammer a second half strike past goalkeeper Precious Dede for her second goal of the match.<br /><br />For all their disappointment, the Nigerian supporters can have no complaints as the Matildas were dominant.<br /><br />Nigeria now face a final group game against USA with slim hopes of qualifying.<br /><br /><b>Super Falcons Starters Vs Australia</b>: Precious Dede, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Onome Ebi, Josephine Chukwunonye, Halimatu Ayinde, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala<br /><br /><b>Reserves</b>: Ibubeleye Whyte, Christy Ohiaeriaku, Blessing Edoho, Ugo Njoku, Sarah Nnodim, Martina Ohadugha, Perpetua Nkwocha, Esther Sunday, Cecilia Nku, Loveth Ayila, Courtney Dike, Iniabasi Umotong<br /><br />Photo Credit : fifa.com<br />