England failed to shine but they did enough to record a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Georgia Stanway netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the first half. She initially saw her kick saved by Haiti keeper Kerly Théus but scored at the second attempt after the referee awarded England a retake.
England knew little about Haiti coming into the first-ever meeting between the two sides but the Caribbean nation showed their ability on the counter attack as they created the best early chance. Roselord Borgella found herself through on goal but she dragged her effort wide.
The Lionesses then thought they had a penalty when Chloe Kelly was caught by Dayana Pierre-Louise but VAR determined that Alessia Russo had committed a foul before the ball had reached the winger.
England were to be awarded a penalty minutes later when Batcheba Louis handled the ball in the box. Stanway saw her penalty saved by Théus but the Haiti keeper had moved off the line and the kick was retaken. Stanway did find the bottom corner of the net at the second attempt.
Haiti tested Mary Earps early in the second half. Melchie Dumorney struck a powerful effort which was pushed to safety by the England keeper.
At the other end, Russo twice forced saves from Théus as England increased their attacking intent.
As the game entered the final moments, it was Haiti who looked the more dangerous. Earps made herself big and pulled off a huge save to deny Haiti substitute Roseline Éloissaint the equaliser before the England keeper punched the ball away from a dangerous corner kick delivery at the death.
It wasn’t pretty from England but it was enough to see them begin their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 campaign with a win.
England return to action on Friday when they face Denmark in Sydney. Haiti will take on China in their second group match.