Figures have confirmed that Chloe Kelly's penalty for England in their Women's World Cup clash against Nigeria was more powerful than any shot from last season's Premier League campaign.
After both teams could not be separated, Kelly stepped up to score the winning penalty for Sarina Wiegman's side as they progressed to the quarter-final stage of this summer's competition.
The 25-year-old Manchester City forward produced an unusual 'skip' run-up before smashing the ball past Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
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Moments later, Kelly went over to comfort a devastated Nnadozie. In fact, she told one camera operator to go away as they attempted to film her reaction to the shootout defeat.
In her post-match interview, England's number 18 gave fans an insight into her mindset before netting the winner. "Stepping up, I just thought I'm gonna score," she said. "That's the way I look at penalties."
A day after the game and it has emerged that Kelly’s game-winning penalty was the fastest shot recorded at the FIFA Women's World Cup at 110.79 km/h [69mph].
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The shot was measured by Connected Ball Technology, which features inside the adidas Oceaunz official match ball.
In addition to that impressive stat, the 25-year-old's penalty hit was recorded as being more powerful than any Premier League goal scored last season.
West Ham forward Said Benrahma registered the most powerful strike of the 2022/23 PL campaign at 107.2km/h [66.6mph].
Kelly's former teacher Peter Heffernan knew she would deliver when it mattered most. “When Chloe stepped up to take the penalty I knew she would score," he told The Evening Standard.
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"She’s as hard as nails in these situations and has the amazing ability to remain calm. When England needed her she was there and smashed it in.
“Things weren’t looking good for us but when the chips are down you can count on Chloe.”
He added: “I think that penalty and that win will be the catalyst for England moving forward in this competition. I’m so proud of her. She would have been desperate to get on the field. She has ice in her veins in these situations.”
Thoughts on Kelly's penalty kick against Nigeria at the Women's World Cup?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: ITV SportTopics: England, Womens World Cup, Nigeria, Womens Football, Premier League
