Women’s World Cup: England Wins Haiti in Group D Encounter
The European champions England won Haiti 1-0 to begin its Group D Women’s World Cup title bid on Saturday.
Played in front of over 44,000 fans at Brisbane Stadium, most of who were supporting England. Stanway’s 29th-minute penalty proved to be enough to just about see off a gutsy Haitian side.
England went into the match as firm favourites over Haiti, who are playing in their first World Cup.
The Lionesses struggled to put Haiti away and had to rely on some late brilliance from goalkeeper Mary Earps to secure all three points.
England, who have been embroiled in a dispute with their football association over bonuses in the lead-up to the tournament, are aiming to add the World Cup to the European crown they won at Wembley last year.
They came into the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as the favourites along with holders the United States. But they will have to step up a level for their next group games against Denmark and China, both of whom are higher than the 53rd-ranked Haiti.
“We played a very hard game, we were absolutely ready,” said England coach Sarina Weigman. “But Haiti played a very good game too. They were unpredictable, very direct, and very strong on the counterattack.”
“They were really quick and very athletic. With a performance like that, I think the other two countries are really going to struggle with them.”
“I’m just really happy we got the win and got the first three points in a really hard game,” she added.
FIFA/ Jane Iyabode Aluko
