Womens World Cup – England beat Haiti 1-0 on Saturday in a difficult opening match of the Women’s World Cup for European champions thanks to an extra penalty from Georgia Steinway. England took the lead in the first half but had to wait until the 29th minute for Steinway to score a penalty. After her first try was deflected by Curly Theus, she was given a second shot. Theus jumped her full body to the right.
The match between the fourth-placed and 53rd-placed teams in Group D was tense from start to finish as Haitian striker Melky Dumornay regularly plagued the English defense.
Theus made a string of saves to stop England’s chances of extending their lead. England goalkeeper Mary Arps made a decisive reflex save in the 81st minute to prevent Haitian backup striker Roseline Eloissin from equalizing.
The two sides will resume play on Friday, with England playing Denmark in Sydney and Haiti playing China in Adelaide, South Australia.