Brisbane, July 22 (Agency) European champions England kicked off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a hugely impressive Haiti side here on Saturday. A dramatic passage of play midway through the first half led to England going in front. A penalty was awarded – following a VAR check – for a handball by Haiti’s Batcheba Louis. Stanway’s spot-kick was athletically saved by Kerly Theus, only for it to emerge the Haiti stopper had strayed off her line. The Bayern Munich star made no mistake at the second time of asking, slotting into the bottom-left corner.
While England enjoyed most of the possession, Haiti were carrying a significant threat themselves, with the outstanding Melchie Dumornay mesmerising the Brisbane crowd with her skill, touch and ingenuity, the FIFA reported. The Women’s World Cup debutantes had a golden chance to level just before half-time but Roselord Borgella was unable to get the required connection on her header from six yards out. Dumornay went close shortly after the break, with her rising shot forcing Earps into a fine one-handed stop. Haiti’s poise, tenacity and ambition continued to impress, and they thought their moment had come when Roseline Eloissaint found space 12 yards from goal and let fly with a low drive. Earps showed why she is the reigning Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, however, by superbly saving with her out-stretched left boot as England claimed victory.