Six nations looking to cement their spot in the knockout stages took the field on Friday. Here is a summary of the action from Day 9 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Friday’s matches began with Argentina taking on South Africa in Group G before England played Denmark, and China squared off against Haiti in Group D.
Argentina unleashes a five-minute frenzy to keep their World Cup campaign alive against South Africa.
Despite trailing 2-0 late in the second half, Argentina scored twice in five minutes to secure a 2-2 draw with South Africa at the Dunedin Stadium.
Midfielder Linda Motlhalo opened the scoring for the South Africans in the 30th minute of the game, giving them a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Thembi Kgatlana then increased her nation’s advantage, 2-0 in the 66th minute, seemingly giving South Africa a shock win.
Desperate to keep their World Cup dreams alive, Argentina fought back with two goals in quick succession.
Argentinian defender Sophia Braun halved the deficit with a stunning strike before Romina Nunez’s goal completed the 2-2 comeback.
Following the draw, South Africa has one point and sits third in Group G, while Argentina is also on a point but remains in fourth place.
England rise to the top of Group D with a commanding win over Denmark
Lauren James’ early goal was enough to give England a comfortable 1-0 victory over Denmark at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Danes tried to edge their way back into the game, but the Lionesses were impenetrable on Friday night, earning their second clean sheet in as many games.
After their convincing victory, England is now on the brink of securing a place in the knockout stages and is the sole leader of Group D with six points, leaving Denmark in second place with three points.
Courageous China overcomes first-half red card to defeat Haiti.
Although Zhang Rui got sent off in the first half, China defied the odds and beat Haiti 1-0 in front of a raucous Hindmarsh Stadium.
Zhang was red-carded after a studs-up challenge in the 29th minute got reviewed by VAR and deemed a dangerous tackle.
Haiti had many chances to break the deadlock with the one-woman advantage, but it was China who benefited from a VAR check in the second half.
After a lengthy review, an initial offside ruling was overturned, and China earned a penalty.
With her country’s World Cup dream at stake, Wang Shuang remained composed from the penalty spot and gave China a 1-0 lead in the 74th minute.
The Haitians believed they had received a penalty of their own in the final moments of the game, but another VAR check ruled that no foul had occurred.
Following their 1-0 win, China moves to third on three points in Group D, as Haiti drops to fourth place without a point.
Keep up with the latest Women’s World Cup news by reading our next daily report!
