China edges Haiti 1-0 to maintain World Cup hopes alive regardless of happening to 10 gamers

Adelaide, Australia — Despite enjoying with 10 gamers for greater than an hour, China defied the chances to safe a 1-0 victory over Haiti in its second sport of the Women’s World Cup. Forward Wang Shuang scored her first-ever objective at a World Cup within the 74th minute, changing a penalty after VAR adjudged her teammate Zhang Linyan was fouled within the space. This victory marks the second time in Women’s World Cup historical past {that a} group has gained with 10 gamers on the sphere, with the earlier incidence happening in 2011.

After a comparatively uneventful opening 28 minutes, the sport modified dramatically when China midfielder Zhang Rui acquired a crimson card for a deal with on Sherly Jeudy. Zhang was initially given a yellow card however, after VAR evaluate, the choice was modified to direct crimson. The Steel Roses had been compelled to play with 10 gamers for the rest of the match.

The one-player benefit allowed Haiti to realize the higher hand, particularly following the introduction of Melchie “Corventina” Dumornay initially the second half. Dumornay almost opened the scoring within the 53rd minute, however her right-foot shot from shut vary was pushed over the crossbar by China goalkeeper Zhu Yu.

With Haiti committing further gamers ahead, China capitalized on the accessible house and Zhang Linyan was introduced down within the field. VAR was once more concerned with an preliminary offside determination being reversed and a penalty kick being awarded. Halftime substitute Wang Shuang despatched Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Théus the improper approach for the sport’s solely objective.

Haiti thought it had a lifeline when it was initially awarded a penalty kick of its personal in stoppage time, however VAR reversed the choice.

After dropping its opening match in heartbreaking style in opposition to Denmark, China’s victory in opposition to Haiti places it stage with the Danes on three factors. The Asian Cup champions are nonetheless in rivalry to succeed in the knockout stage, a feat they’ve achieved in all seven earlier World Cup appearances. Haiti is but to safe any factors in its World Cup debut, and is all however eradicated from the knockout rounds.

“It was as if we were given the game on a silver platter, but we didn’t take it.” – Haiti coach Nicolas Delepine

“I think confidence plays an important role. Even though we’re one fewer persons than Haiti, we never gave up.” – China ahead Wang Shuang.