European champions England on Friday snatched a vital 1-0 victory in opposition to Denmark, propelling themselves nearer to the Women’s World Cup knock-out levels.
However, their pleasure was bittersweet, as they suffered a heart-wrenching blow with the lack of their star midfielder, Keira Walsh, to a mysterious knee harm.
Amid the electrifying environment of the 40,000-strong crowd in Sydney, Chelsea’s rising star and sister to Reece James, Lauren James, made her mark within the sixth minute, guiding the Lionesses to an early lead.
But destiny had one thing else in retailer for England, as Walsh, a linchpin within the crew’s midfield, confronted a gut-wrenching second when she slipped on the turf later within the half and was carried off on a stretcher.
Speculations and concern ran excessive within the stadium as the precise nature of Walsh’s harm remained a thriller.
The midfielder later hobbled on crutches whereas seated on the subs’ bench.
In a deja vu of their opening match in opposition to Haiti, England as soon as once more struggled to transform their dominance into extra objectives.
Their missed alternatives virtually proved expensive when Denmark’s Amalie Vangsgaard’s highly effective header kissed the suitable put up within the 87th minute, leaving English hearts of their mouths.
Despite the nail-biting finale, Lauren James, the heroine of the day, expressed her elation, “It was a dream to score, and something I’ve been thinking about, but most importantly, I’m happy to help us win,” she instructed the BBC.
England’s tactician, coach Sara Wiegmann, summed up the rollercoaster of feelings: “We started well, we played well and scored the goal, and then we had a little stage in the first half, we lost balls we didn’t have to lose. Then we had the horrible moment with Keira. Second half was a fight, and the team showed we adapted to the new situation, and we had to fight to win. I am very proud of the team.”
With six factors, England at the moment reign supreme atop Group D, however their spot within the last-16 is but to be secured.
China’s triumphant 1-0 victory over Haiti, courtesy of Wang Shuang’s penalty, propelled them to a few factors alongside Denmark, making the ultimate group match a make-or-break encounter.
Coach Wiegman’s tactical genius shone brightly as one in all her modifications to the beginning lineup proved to be an immediate game-changer.
Lauren James, stepping in for Lauren Hemp, shocked the world with a mesmerizing roller into the suitable nook from exterior the penalty space, setting the tone for England’s thrilling victory.
Denmark, nonetheless, didn’t bow down simply, with Rikke Madsen and captain Pernille Harder spearheading their fightback.
A spectacular shot extensive from Madsen and Harder’s try on the English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, stored the Lionesses on their toes.
Then got here the defining second of anguish – Walsh’s surprising and dramatic exit.
Sliding whereas in pursuit of the ball, the Barcelona star clutched her knee in ache, leaving followers gasping.
As Laura Coombs changed her, the Lionesses rallied and fought on, showcasing their indomitable spirit.
Despite England’s valiant efforts, a second objective eluded them.
Alessia Russo’s try fired extensive proper, and Beth England’s looping header missed the mark within the 81st minute.
China-Haiti drama
While England’s triumph was celebrated, their last-16 berth remained unsure till China’s dramatic win over Haiti was confirmed.
Substitute Wang Shuang scored a 74th-minute penalty as China survived for greater than an hour with 10 gamers to beat debutants Haiti 1-0 and hold their Women’s World Cup desires alive.
Needing to keep away from defeat in Adelaide, China had been the dominant crew in damp situations till Zhang Rui was despatched off within the twenty ninth minute for a slipshod deal with on Sherly Jeudy.
The Asian champions survived an onslaught early within the second half from Haiti earlier than Zhang Linyan was introduced down within the field by Ruthny Mathurin in opposition to the run of play.
After a prolonged VAR evaluate, Wang made no mistake together with her penalty kick and China gamely held on in a wild contest involving a number of requires penalties.
Haiti have been awarded a penalty in second-half stoppage time after Roseline Eloissaint had been seemingly grappled with by Chen Qiaozhu, however the referee rescinded it after a VAR examine.
The end result means China are stage with Denmark on three factors in Group D, with England main on six factors however their place within the final 16 remains to be not assured.
China got here into the sport underneath strain after dropping to Denmark 1-0 in Perth. Another defeat would have despatched them residence.
After China surprisingly took the lead, Haiti desperately sought an equaliser nevertheless it wasn’t forthcoming in a dramatic ending to a recreation that stretched nicely previous 100 minutes.
Earlier, Argentina and South Africa, locked in an exhilarating Group G battle, introduced spectators to the sting of their seats.
South Africa appeared destined for victory with objectives from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana, however Argentina launched a dramatic comeback, with Sofia Braun’s sensational long-range strike and substitute Romina Nunez’s heroics incomes them a well-fought 2-2 draw.
As the group stage heats up, all eyes at the moment are on Italy and Sweden, who face off in a high-stakes encounter with a spot within the final 16 up for grabs.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
