England vs China – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
In their final Group D matchup, England faced off against China at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. Coming into the game, England held a strong position after securing victories over Haiti and Denmark, while China had rebounded with a win against Haiti after a loss to Denmark.
China had the opportunity to advance to the round of 16 with a win, but Denmark’s result against Haiti would also come into play. The two teams had previously met only four times, with China holding the advantage in their head-to-head record.
The game started off fairly evenly, with both teams exchanging possession in the midfield. However, it was England who made the breakthrough in the 4th minute, as Alessia Russo scored the opening goal. She was involved in the build-up play and found the back of the net for her first World Cup goal.
England continued to dominate the game, and in the 24th minute, Lauren Hemp doubled their lead with a strong run down the left side.
China struggled to contain England’s attacking prowess, and in the 39th minute, Lauren James scored a beautiful goal to make it 3-0.
Just before half-time, England thought they had scored another goal, but it was disallowed after a VAR check for an offside by Lucy Bronze. Despite the disallowed goal, England went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The second half started with China showing more intent, with Zhang leading a quick counter-attack. However, England’s defence held firm, and goalkeeper Mary Earps made a diving save to keep China at bay.
In the 54th minute, VAR awarded China a penalty as they spotted a handball by Lucy Bronze. Wang Shuang stepped up and converted the penalty to bring China back into the game at 3-1.
However, England quickly responded, and in the 64th minute, Lauren James scored a stunning volley to restore England’s three-goal lead.
England continued to dominate the game, and Chloe Kelly added a fifth goal in the 74th minute after a defensive mistake from China’s goalkeeper.
Rachel Daly piled on the misery for China with a sixth goal in the 83rd minute.
Despite a valiant effort from China, England’s quality proved too much, and the game finished with a final score of 6-1 in England’s favour.
This was a record defeat for China at a World Cup, with England’s dominant performance securing their place in the last 16 of the tournament.
Haiti vs Denmark
In the other Group D match, Haiti faced Denmark at an equal time in Perth. Haiti, ranked 55th in the world, needed a win against 18th-ranked Denmark to keep their hopes of progressing to the last 16 alive.
The game started with Denmark asserting their dominance, having the majority of possession and creating several attacking opportunities. In the 20th minute, Denmark was awarded a penalty, and Pernille Harder confidently converted it to give her team a 1-0 lead.
Despite Denmark’s control of the game, Haiti displayed moments of threat in their attacks. However, their efforts were unable to find the back of the net. The first half ended with Denmark leading 1-0.
The second half began with Haiti showing more attacking intent, trying to get back into the game. However, Denmark’s defence remained resolute, and they limited Haiti’s chances to equalise.
In the 83rd minute, Denmark thought they had secured a 2-0 lead as Harder set up Signe Bruun for a one-on-one opportunity. However, the goal was overruled after a VAR check, and the scoreline remained 1-0 in favour of Denmark.
Despite the disappointment, Denmark continued to press forward, and in the 90th minute, Veje released Troelsgaard down the right side. Troelsgaard calmly finished into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 for Denmark.
The game ended with a final score of 2-0 in Denmark’s favour and, with this victory, Denmark joined England in advancing to the last 16 from Group D.
Photo Credit: Group D qualifiers unveiled as England boast talent trove in China 6-1 win while Denmark clinical in 2-0 disposal of Haiti with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament wending its way toward the knockout rounds. Photo: (c) FIF (Twitter)
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