In a Group G match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Argentina and South Africa faced off at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Both teams were coming off losses in their opening games and were eager to secure their first win on Friday, 28 July.
Argentina started strong with goalkeeper Vanina Correa proving to be a formidable presence. Aldana Cometti and Miriam Mayorga provided a solid defensive line, while Eliana Stabile and Sophia Braun added strength on the flanks. In midfield, Lorena Benitez and Estefania Banini held the team together, with Florencia Bonsegundo and Daiana Falfan providing support. Mariana Larroquette led the forward line.
South Africa, on the other hand, had Kaylin Smart in goal and a central defensive partnership of Bambanani Mbane and Bongeka Gamede. Karabo Dhlamini and Lebogang Ramalepe were the fullbacks. In midfield, Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo controlled the play, with Jermaine Seoposenwe and Noxolo Cesane operating on the wings. Hildah Magaia was a standout attacking midfielder, while Thembi Kgatlana led the line.
The match got off to an exciting start with both teams showing attacking intent. South Africa had the first corner kick of the game, while Argentina looked dangerous in the final third. Cesane impressed on the wing for South Africa, while Correa made crucial saves for Argentina.
In the 29th minute, South Africa took the lead through a goal from Motlhalo. There was controversy surrounding the goal, as Argentina believed it was offside, but VAR confirmed it as a legitimate goal. Argentina’s defence was caught off guard, leading to the lapse in concentration.
The first half continued with physical play, resulting in several yellow cards and injuries. Mayorga and Kholosa Biyana were booked for Argentina, and Mayorga would miss the next game due to suspension. South Africa also suffered from injuries and had to make an early substitution, replacing Jane with Biyana.
Despite strong attacking play from both teams, the score remained 1-0 in favour of South Africa until halftime.
In the second half, South Africa had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Kgatlana missed an open chance. Argentina also had their chances, with Bonsegundo providing the creative spark. However, it was Kgatlana who finally found the back of the net in the 66th minute, extending South Africa’s lead to 2-0.
Argentina fought back, with Bonsegundo leading the charge. In the 74th minute, Braun scored a spectacular goal to bring Argentina within one.
The momentum was on Argentina’s side, and they continued to push forward. In the 78th minute, they found the equaliser through a header at the penalty spot.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the closing minutes, but neither could find the winner. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Argentina and South Africa both left disappointed as they missed out on their first World Cup win.
Despite the draw, it was an impressive comeback from Argentina, while South Africa earned their first-ever World Cup point. Both teams will now need to regroup and focus on their next matches in the group stage.
Lauren James’ Spectacular Goal Leads England to 1-0 Victory Over Denmark
England secured a vital 1-0 victory over Denmark in a Women’s World Cup Group D match. The game started off with a bang as England’s Lauren James scored a stunning long-range volley just six minutes into the match.
England continued to dominate in the first half, creating chances and putting pressure on Denmark’s defence. However, Denmark did well to keep England at bay and limit their scoring opportunities.
In the second half, England maintained their control of the game but struggled to capitalise on their chances. Denmark showed glimpses of danger when they had possession, but were unable to find the back of the net. England’s defence, led by goalkeeper Mary Earps, also played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Despite the victory, England coach Sarina Wiegman will be concerned about the injury to midfielder Keira Walsh, who had to be stretchered off the field in the first half. Keira Walsh’s absence was felt in the second half as Denmark started to gain more control in midfield.
Overall, it was a hard-fought match with both teams showing their strengths. England’s early goal proved to be the difference, earning them three crucial points in their quest to advance to the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup.
Final score: England 1-0 Denmark.
China Shows Resilience in 1-0 Victory Over Haiti
In a thrilling Group D clash at the Women’s World Cup 2023, China emerged victorious against Haiti with a 1-0 win. Despite playing with 10 women for over an hour, China showcased their resilience and determination to secure three crucial points.
The match began with both teams donning their respective colours, China in red and Haiti in all white. From the start, China dominated possession while Haiti aimed to soak up the pressure and hit on the break.
In the 13th minute, Haiti found space down the left flank, but Sherly Jeudy’s cross lacked direction. Both teams displayed disciplined defence, making it challenging for either side to break through.
In the 16th minute, China had their first real attempt on goal as Li Mengwen crossed from the right, and Jiahui Lou’s acrobatic hooked effort was saved by Haiti’s goalkeeper, Kerly Theus. China continued to create the most dangerous moments throughout the first half.
In the 29th minute, China suffered a setback as Rui Zhang received a red card, reducing their team to 10 women. Zhang’s bad tackle on Jeudy resulted in the referee changing her initial yellow card to a red card after consultation with VAR.
As halftime approached, the score remained goalless at 0-0. China prepared a substitution, and in the 37th minute, Lou made way for Xin Zhang, who had started the first game.
Just before halftime, Haiti had a goal disallowed due to a deflection from the referee and an offside ruling. The first half’s standout moment was undoubtedly the red card, significantly altering the game’s dynamics.
The second half began with changes for both teams. Haiti introduced their star player, Melchie Dumornay, replacing Maudeline Moryl. Meanwhile, China brought on Wang Shuang, their key player, in place of Wu Chengshu.
Haiti started the second half strongly, with goalkeeper Theus rarely tested in the initial 15 minutes. The Chinese keeper, however, had to make several clearances to keep her team’s net intact.
In the 52nd minute, Haiti wasted an opportunity as Nerilia Mondesir was fouled, earning them a free-kick. Unfortunately, Jeudy’s resultant corner went straight out, much to their frustration.
In the 62nd minute, Dumornay received a yellow card for catching Yao Wei in the face during an audacious bicycle kick attempt. Haiti’s attacking threat grew as they piled immense pressure on China, who were desperate not to lose the game.
China’s substitute, Wang Shuang, made her presence felt and capitalised on a penalty opportunity in the 73rd minute, giving her team a 1-0 lead. Despite being down to 10 players, China showcased their resilience and ability to seize crucial moments.
There was another potential penalty shout for China, but VAR confirmed no foul, and the score remained 1-0. As it stood, China would draw level on points with Denmark (both teams having three points each) in the group. England’s qualification to the Round of 16 was yet to be confirmed.
In the 77th minute, China had another chance to extend their lead, but the header went over the bar. Haiti responded with a free-kick, which was pushed away by China’s goalkeeper.
With China relentlessly attacking since their penalty goal, they remained on the front foot. In the 81st minute, Haiti made a double substitution, bringing on Chelsea Supris and Danielle Etienne for Pierre-Louis and Mathurin, respectively. China also made a substitution, introducing Dou Jiaxing to the field.
The final minutes of the match were filled with drama. Nine additional minutes were added to the 90 minutes, providing Haiti with a window of opportunity to find an equaliser while China aimed to hold on to their slim lead.
In the 90 +2nd minute, Haiti was initially awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision. China survived the scare, maintaining their 1-0 advantage.
As the clock ticked towards the end, Haiti struggled to find a way through China’s resolute defence.
In the 90 +9th minute, Haiti was awarded a corner, but the captain’s effort missed the target. In the last moments of the game, Dumornay collided with Dou in the box, sparking controversy. Despite appeals for a penalty, only a corner was given. The Haiti coach Nicolas Delepine received a yellow card for his protests.
The match concluded with a dramatic ending, as China triumphed 1-0 despite being a player short for the majority of the game. Frustration loomed over Haiti, who played exceptionally well but struggled to find a breakthrough. The result left China level on points with Denmark in the group, while England’s qualification to the Round of 16 remained uncertain.
Full time: China 1 – 0 Haiti.
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