July 22, (THEWILL) – In a tense opener at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, England’s Lionesses clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Haiti.
As one of the tournament favourites, Sarina Wiegman’s team faced a formidable challenge from the debutant Les Grenadieres. The match witnessed numerous opportunities for both sides, with Haiti displaying commendable resilience, but Georgia Stanway’s converted penalty proved to be the decisive moment.
The game began with Haiti mounting an early offensive, putting England’s defense under pressure right from the start. The Lionesses were quick to respond, attempting counter-attacks, but Haiti’s goalkeeper, Kerly Theus, was up to the challenge. Haiti, too, had their moments, with Roselord Borgella coming close to a goal due to a defensive lapse by England. In a crucial turn of events, England was awarded a penalty after Batcheba Louis handled the ball during a corner situation.
Stanway initially had her spot-kick saved but was given a second chance due to a goalkeeping infringement, which she successfully converted. Towards the end, England faced another scare when Haitian Nerilia Mondesir threatened their goal, but a crucial save by Mary Earps preserved the Lionesses’ lead.
While England emerged victorious, the match exposed areas that require improvement. Wiegman’s side will need to address defensive vulnerabilities and take full advantage of scoring opportunities to maintain their winning momentum against Denmark and China. The Lionesses’ next encounters promise to be equally challenging, and they must prove their determination to progress further in the tournament.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
