China Stuns Haiti with Dramatic Win: Wang Shuang's Penalty Seals Historic Victory with Player Red Carded
China secure their first Women's World Cup win, defeating Haiti 1-0 Despite a player being sent off, Wang Shuang's penalty ensures victory Great determination shown by the Asian side What's next for China? Check out the schedule!
Wang Shuang saved China's Women's World Cup hopes by successfully converting a penalty in a 1-0 victory over Haiti at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on Friday. Despite playing with one less player, the Asian team demonstrated remarkable determination to secure the win. In Group D, the Steel Roses currently have three points from two matches and will clash with England on Tuesday. On the other hand, Haiti has endured two defeats and zero points, but they still have a chance to advance if they defeat Denmark on the same day and receive favorable outcomes from other matches.
China controlled the ball from the beginning and came close to taking the lead in a remarkable way in the 16th minute. Lou Jiahui executed an impressive acrobatic shot towards goal, but it lacked power and was comfortably stopped by Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus.
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China players swarm around goalscorer Wang Shuang
However, the game's momentum took a swift turn when Zhang Rui was issued a direct red card in the 29th minute due to a reckless high tackle on Sherly Jeudy.
Despite this setback, the Caribbean team worked hard to capitalize on their advantage and almost scored a goal right before half-time, only to have it disallowed for being offside. Nevertheless, China displayed steadfast defense to protect themselves from constant waves of attacks.
In the second half, Melchie Dumornay, a substitute from Haiti, attempted a side-footed shot which Zhu Yu saved impressively. However, it was China who managed to break the deadlock when Ruthny Mathurin clumsily brought down Zhang Linyan. Wang, the 2018 Asian Women's Footballer of the Year and also a substitute, confidently converted the penalty in the 74th minute, granting her team the upper hand.
What's next?
China's Group D campaign comes to an end on August 1 as they face England in Adelaide at 12pm. Meanwhile, Haiti will meet Denmark at the same time in Perth, continuing their quest for a victory.What is the schedule?
The group stage commenced and spans a fortnight, concluding on August 3. Teams that secure the top spots in their respective groups, as well as the runners-up, advance to the round of 16, slated for August 5 to August 8.Subsequently, the quarter-finals are slated for August 11 and 12, to be hosted in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.
The first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, followed by the second semi-final at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16. The final will then take place at the Accor Stadium on August 20. Additionally, there will be a third-place play-off in Brisbane on August 19, the day before the final.
