Why Lauren James Only Got a Two Match Ban Despite Foul on Alozie

• Lauren James was handed a two-match suspension after her foul on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie
• The decision has sparked debate given that Deborah Abiodun was suspended for three games
• James will be available for the Women's World Cup final should the Lionesses make it through

Lauren James has been one of the shining lights of the ongoing Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She, alongside the likes of Japan's Hinata Miyazawa and Colombia's Linda Caicedo, set the group stage alight and looked set to carry the same form to the knockout stage.

However, for James, a split-second decision in anger saw her stamp on Michelle Alozie during the round of 16 against Nigeria and after a review, she was sent off.

Luckily for James, her teammates held on to eliminate the Super Falcons on post-match penalties and remain on course for a first-ever World Cup title.

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It was thought the Chelsea star's tournament was over. A straight red card - especially for violent conduct - carries a three-match ban more often than not.

James vs. Abiodun's red cards

A quick introspection on the first straight red card issued in the World Cup saw Nigeria's Deborah Abiodun suspended for three games for dangerous foul play on Canada's Ashley Lawrence.

So bad was the challenge by the Super Falcons star that when you watch the replay, one fails to comprehend how Lawrence walked out of it unscathed.

Abiodun's ban meant she did not play any other match again Down Under, which was thought would be the case for James. A three-match ban would have kept her out of the finals, had Sarina Wiegman's reached there.

However, as reported by the BBC, there was a silver lining for the Chelsea winger after FIFA decided to hand her a two-match ban.

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The 21-year-old will now only be suspended for the quarter-final clash against Colombia and the next international fixture after that - possibly the semi-final if her team advances.

Zinedine Zidane's 1998 red card

Many have questioned this decision, despite James' foul being intentional.

For starters, Abiodun's three-match ban was warranted and justifiable. Dangerous foul play, intentional or not, comes with lengthy suspensions. Her tackle endangered the safety of the opponent and could have been worse.

For James, there is precedent. French great, Zinedine Zidane, was sent off in World Cup for a similar challenge in 1998 against Saudi Arabia, as Chicago Tribune reported.

Zizou was given a two-match ban with the understanding that while it was violent conduct, it did not put the victim in severe danger.

James now has a chance to play again in the World Cup, but she will be praying and hoping her teammates can get the job done against Colombia as well as against the winner between France and co-hosts, Australia, for her to feature in the August 20 final.

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James apologises to Alozie

Sports Brief also reported on James tendering an apology to Alozie, who hilariously confirmed her backside was fine after a petulant foul.

The sending-off was a rude awakening to the 21-year-old, who had set the tournament ablaze with slick displays during the group stages.

James had scored three goals and set up another three as Sarina Wiegman's charges topped Group D with the maximum points tally.