England opened its 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship fight against Haiti, as the two squads clashed at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
The Lionesses entered the match as one of the favorites to dethrone the top-ranked Americans in the tournament, as they’re currently fourth in FIFA’s World Rankings. Haiti meanwhile, faced a steep challenge as the 54th-ranked team globally.
Despite being without stars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, England was able to eke out a hard-fought win over a scrappy young Haitian squad. Its lone goal came on a penalty in the first half.
Highlights: England holds off Haiti
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80′: Turned away!
The goalie play in this match was exquisite. FIFA’s 2022 Goalkeeper of the Year Mary Earps showed why she’s deserving of the award with this dazzling save to preserve her shutout. She had shutout 14 of 22 previous opponents while in goal for Manchester United.
74′: Théus again!
England kept chipping away at Haiti’s defense in search of its second score, but Haiti goalie Kerly Théus was having none of it. Her tough defense kept things tight for her squad as it fought to stay alive.
63′: Creating chances
Haiti’s offense ensured England’s defense remained on its toes in the second half and just missed a big opportunity to tie the game.
57′: Defensive battle
England broke through in the first half, but found trouble early in the second, as Haiti goalie Théus stopped shot after shot, collecting seven saves through 60 minutes.
50′: Not on my watch!
Earps was sharp in goal to start the second half, showing off some cat-like reflexes to parry a Haitian shot attempt.
36′: Tried for the bicycle!
If you’re going to net your first-ever goal on the biggest stage, you might as well do it in style, right? Haiti scored an A in the flair department on this bicycle kick attempt, but dropped a few letter grades in the accuracy one.
29′: GOAL! England takes lead on penalty …. eventually
There was drama at the 29-minute mark. First, England was awarded a penalty when a Haiti defender reached her hands up to tip a ball.
Then, after the first penalty by Georgia Stanway was saved, the referee ruled that the goalie had left her line too early. Stanway then went right back to the same spot, giving England a 1-0 lead. England is unbeaten when scoring first in the women’s World Cup, at 13-2-0.
England’s Georgia Stanway scores goal vs. Haiti in 29′ | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Watch England’s Georgia Stanway scoring a goal against Haiti in the 29′ in the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup.
14′: Close call for Haiti!
Haiti very nearly scored its first-ever World Cup goal and took an early lead on this impressive run, but the shot went just wide.
4′: Early pressure
Chloe Kelly tested Haiti’s keeper early with a left-footed shot from long range.
3′: Passing fancy
England looked sharp early, applying pressure through sharp passing as they worked the ball into a dangerous area.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on Twitter ahead of kickoff.
Lionesses arrive in style
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
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