It was all square between Argentina and South Africa while England took one step closer to the knockout stages and Haiti narrowly miss out on points against China today at the Women’s World Cup…
England 1 Denmark 0
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was another win for Sarina Weigman’s England team, who wore black armbands as a tribute to the late Trevor Francis, with Lauren James scoring a stunner from the edge of the box.
England controlled the first half, stringing together plenty of successful passes in the final third which led to James’ wonder finish in the 6th minute.
They continued to press hard despite key midfielder Kiera Walsh having to be stretchered off due to a knee injury, meaning Manchester city’s Laura Coombs came on to replace her in the middle.
England seemed to slightly step off the gas in the second half, allowing Denmark to create some chances at goal, however these were denied by a solid Mary Earpes and also the woodwork from a brilliant diving header from Amalie Vangsgaard.
This win takes the Lionesses one step closer to securing a place in the knockout stages.
Argentina 2 South Africa 2
Embed from Getty ImagesIt ended all square in Dunedin with both Argentina and South Africa managing to score twice.
South Africa looked as though they were on track to win their first ever World Cup match after they opened the scoring in the first half through Linda Motlhalo and furthered their lead in the second half with Thembi Kgatlana firing into the roof of the net.
Argentina had to do something to avoid elimination and they did just that, scoring two in the space of five minutes thanks to a stunning half-volley from Sophia Braun which stunned south Africa before Romina Nunez levelled matters.
Both sides will have their work cut out to progress to the knockout stages, with Argentina facing Sweden in their final group game while South Africa take on Italy.
China 1 Haiti 0
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite a tremendous effort from Haiti all the way until the final whistle they narrowly lost out to a tough China team.
The first half was full of drama despite it being goalless, as midfielder Zhang Rui received a red card in the 29th minute for reckless high boot challenge.
Chances came for both teams in the second half, but it was China who managed to hit the back of the net after being awarded a penalty, which Wang Shuang converted.
Haiti battled right until the end, arguing for two penalties in the dying moments of the game however both weren’t awarded.
China still have it all to do in order to progress in the tournament with their next game being against England on Tuesday, whilst Haiti are all but eliminated at the group stages.
By Izzy Yard
