Women’s World Cup: Haiti impress as England grab narrow win in Brisbane

England beat debutants Haiti 1-0 in their opening match of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday at the Brisbane Stadium.

Georgia Stanway’s re-taken penalty was all the Lionesses needed to claim three solid points against a much spirited Haiti.

England’s performance as the kick off their World Cup campaign was largely underwhelming. They will need to improve going forward if they are to build on the success of last year’s Euro victory.

Stanway saw her penalty saved before the Video Assistant Referee adjudged goalkeeper Kerly Theus stepped off her line too early.

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The 24-year-old Bayern Munich attacking midfielder then kept her cool to slot home the re-taken spot-kick in the 29th minute.

In terms of sharpness and creativity, England looked lost. It was a shadow of their usual selves and would have been happy to scale through with a win – no matter how bad it was.

Sarina Wiegman’s side were facing a Haiti team that are ranked 53rd in the world. However, it was Haiti that posed quite dangerous in attack.

Brilliant teenager Melchie Dumornay, who caused England all sort of problem, was a heavy presence for the underdogs.

The 19-year-old had a hand in in Haiti’s best chances. England captain on the day Millie Bright struggled several times during the encounter to find her footing. Fans may forgive her performance since it is her first appearance since March after a knee surgery.

Meanwhile, Alessia Russo was denied by Haiti goalkeeper Theus on multiple occasions in each half.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps must also be commended for keeping the Haitians at bay. She pulled off a brilliant save, pushing away Roseline Eloissaint’s strike from close range.

What next for England?

Under Sarina Wiegman, England have lost just once in 33 games. The Lionesses will now face Denmark in their second Group D match on Friday.