FIFA Women’s World Cup: England beat Haiti but face tough test in first leg

England won their Women’s World Cup opener against Haiti after a tough test against the tournament debutants in Brisbane.

The midfielder kept her cool after the assistant referee judged that Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus had come off her line too early after she saved her first attempt.

Much like their performance in their Euro 2022 opener against Austria, which England went on to win, Sarina Wiegman’s side looked devoid of creativity and sharpness.

Haiti, ranked 53rd in the world, were dangerous in attack – especially the hugely impressive teenager Melchie Dumornay, who was the most effective player on the pitch.

The 19-year-old was involved in Haiti’s biggest chances as England were sorely tested in defence, with captain Millie Bright struggling at times in her first appearance since knee surgery in March.

Striker Alessia Russo, headed past Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly, was also denied by Haiti goalkeeper Theus on multiple occasions in each half.

As England had chances to extend their lead in the second half, their goalkeeper Mary Earps made a brilliant save to keep out Roseline Eloissaint’s shot from close range in what was one of the biggest chances of the match.

The Lionesses, who have lost just once in 33 games under Wiegman, face Denmark in their second Group D game on Friday.

The Lionesses go on for the subdued victory

England came to Australia having failed to score against Portugal and Australia in their most recent matches and they did little to build momentum against Haiti.

The stadium was packed with the English support, including many ex-Brisbane residents among the 44,000 in attendance, but Haiti thoroughly entertained those cheering on their side.

It was a stoppage-time opening as VAR was called into action several times – first to deny England a penalty following a Russo foul in the box, then awarding one for handball by Batcheba Louis.

Dayana Pierre-Louis was perhaps lucky not to receive a red card when her studs dragged down Chloe Kelly’s leg in the first half. That challenge resulted in a yellow card for the Haitian defender, but VAR ruled out a penalty due to Russo’s foul in the build-up.

Stanway gave the European champions the goal they wanted from the penalty spot when Louis’ inexplicable decision to raise both hands prevented Lucy Bronze from getting on the end of a cross.

But hopes of England finding more of a spark in the second half did not materialize and it was Haiti who posed the greater threat even when Wiegman introduced her wild marks Lauren James and Daly.

There was a subdued response from the England players at full-time, with Wiegman and Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh deep in conversation as ‘Sweet Caroline’ was sung by fans in the stands.

Dumornay shines as Haiti make their mark

While England’s performance will need to improve if they are to progress deep into the tournament, Haiti’s opening effort will fill them with confidence as they look to cause an upset in Group D.

Teenage Dumornay showed why one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Lyon, fought off competition for her signature as she dribbled past defenders, tested goalkeeper Earps with a long-range curling shot and played fearlessly on the game’s biggest stage.

She had five touches in the opposition box – only Kelly and Russo had more – and the Brisbane crowd rose with excitement every time she was in possession.

This gave England plenty of food for thought defensively, as Lucy Bronze’s attack fueled gaps left at right-back, Bright’s lack of match acuity was evident and England’s midfielders were often on the back foot.

However, just as they did last year at Euro 2022, they did enough to secure three points and a first step towards qualification from their group.

The team can well remember how they went on to thrash Norway 8-0 in their second match at last year’s major tournament after an equally lackluster opening.