A penalty kick in every World Cup game
England are victorious in Penalty Festival
07/22/2023, 1:30 p.m
With a lot of effort, European champions England started the women’s World Cup. Tournament debutant Haiti causes surprising problems for the title contender. In the end, the eighth penalty in the eighth World Cup game makes the difference – but only when it’s repeated.
European champions England started the World Cup with a surprisingly narrow victory over Haiti. At 1-0 (1-0) in Brisbane, the co-favorites received strong resistance from the underdog from the Caribbean, who made his first appearance at the World Cup. In the end, however, the English women prevailed at Suncorp Stadium.
The goal of the day was scored by midfielder Georgia Stanway (29th) from the German champions Bayern Munich with a hand penalty. The 24-year-old was initially denied by Haiti’s goalkeeper Kerly Theus, but was given a second try by VAR because Theus was already in front of her goal line when the shot was fired. Stanway aimed again down left, Theus decided to – 1:0.
It was the eighth penalty in the eighth game of this World Cup – and once again the first attempt was not possible. New Zealand missed the opening game, Australia then beat Ireland with a penalty, and Canada’s Christine Sinclair failed from the point and failed to score at least one goal in their sixth World Cup. Switzerland converted, Spain didn’t score, neither did the Americans. Japan, like Stanway, needed a second try after VAR intervention to be successful.
The Lionesses did against the world number 53. Also much more difficult than expected in the second half, missed good opportunities – and were almost punished for the usury in the 81st minute: Substitute Roseline Eloissaint suddenly appeared free in front of Mary Earps, but England’s number one made a strong save with his foot and thus saved the English win in front of 44,369 spectators.
Both teams now have almost a full week off before their second game in Group D on Friday. England can then make the round of 16 in the European duel with Denmark (10.30 a.m. CEST / in the live ticker on ntv.de). The Haitians will again play for their first World Cup points against China (1:00 p.m. CEST).