[Sport] Women's World Cup: England 1-0 Haiti - Lionesses rusty and predictable but get job done

[BirSaNN]

It may not have been a thrilling performance, but England did what they needed to do in their opening Women's World Cup game against Haiti - win.

The European champions were lacklustre and wasteful in their 1-0 victory, struggling to put away the chances they created while looking occasionally sloppy in defence.

Meanwhile Haiti, who are ranked 49 places below the Lionesses, proved why they are in Australia among the 32 best teams in the world with a fearless performance that tested Sarina Wiegman's side.

But a penalty from Georgia Stanway was enough to give England a crucial three points - and it was just the third time in six World Cup appearances they have won their opening match.

"It's so important to win your first game in a tournament," said Stanway. "It's been a long build-up to today and we're kind of happy to just get over the line.

"Haiti caused us problems, were a threat on the counter-attack, were fast, physical, and they challenged us in areas that we probably didn't expect."

Goalkeeper Mary Earps was called into action twice, tipping Melchie Dumornay's strike over the bar before pushing away Roseline Eloissaint's goal-bound effort.

"[The win] puts us in a good place," said Earps. "But for sure there's plenty we need to review and reflect on because we have set ourselves a higher standard than that."

Match report: England win after tough Haiti test
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Relive England's win over Haiti and read reaction
Rusty England finding their feet
A lengthy build-up to the tournament - which kicked off eight weeks after the Women's Super League ended - as well as uncertainty from Wiegman on her best XI and injuries to key players, were all contributing factors in England's underwhelming performance.

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Alessia Russo, given the nod ahead of Rachel Daly in attack, worked tirelessly but was often isolated.

Captain Millie Bright played the full 90 minutes despite not having featured since March after having knee surgery, and looked understandably rusty.

And England were sloppy in possession, allowing Haiti to capitalise on the counter-attack with the dangerous pace of Dumornay and Batcheba Louis.

"I think it takes a little bit to find your feet," said Stanway. "Coming into a major tournament the pressure is high and the build-up is so long. It's been a long process."

Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was really poor from England. [They were] sloppy in possession, taking too long to play the pass and then getting caught.

"I didn't expect it to be that close. I thought it would be competitive but certainly not for that long. I was really impressed with Haiti."

Wiegman said Haiti's counter-attack made it "pretty hard for us" but she saw improvements in the second half.

"We wanted to be on the ball all the time and we were a lot. We created chances but also lost balls," the manager added.

link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66278291