Day 9 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup had plenty of drama. Argentina pulled off a second-half comeback over South Africa, scoring two goals in five minutes. England secured its second win of the tournament after defeating Denmark 1-0, and China beat Haiti with only 10 players.
However, a devastating knee injury to the Lionesses’ Keira Walsh soured the day, leaving many people wondering what can be done about the ACL problem in women’s soccer.
The Results
GROUP G: South Africa 2, Argentina 2 (in Dunedin) – Game stats || Report
GROUP D: England 1, Denmark 0 (in Sydney) – Game stats || Report
GROUP D: China PR 1, Haiti 0 (in Adelaide) – Game stats || Report
Main Talking Points
Dramatic draw for Argentina
Argentina scored twice in five minutes to earn a comeback draw over a strong South African side.
Banyana Banyana’s Linda Motlhalo struck first in the 30th minute. The 25-year-old knocked in a pass from Thembi Kgatlana after Argentina stopped playing, assuming Motlhalo was offside. In the 66th minute, Kgatlana added a goal for herself.
But La Albiceleste weren’t going to accept a two-nil defeat. They stormed back when Sophia Braun’s superb strike found the top right corner in the 74th minute. Five minutes later, a Romina Nunez header restored parity.
While both sides pushed for a last-minute winner, they each had to settle for a single point. Nonetheless, it wasn’t all bad for Desiree Ellis’ side. The draw gave South Africa its first-ever point at the Women’s World Cup. In the 2019 tournament, South Africa lost every match in the group stage, as well as this year’s tournament opener.
England one step closer to repeating Euro success
After winning the European Championships last summer, the Lionesses are trying to do the same on the world’s stage.
Lauren James’ early goal was enough to secure England’s second win of the tournament. The youngster, who was benched for the Lionesses’ opening match against Haiti, hammered the ball from outside the box, and it soared past a diving Lene Christensen.
But perhaps more importantly, it was England’s first goal from open play in over seven hours of international soccer. James’ screamer also helped Sarina Wiegman’s side tie Norway’s record of 15 successive World Cup matches in which they’ve scored.
China earns three points after red card scare
In a physical and ruthless match between China and Haiti, the Steel Roses proved victorious. However, it wasn’t an easy win.
In the 29th minute, Zhang Rui was ejected after receiving a red card for a reckless challenge. Nonetheless, China rallied to keep its Women’s World Cup dream alive. Seventy-four minutes in, “super substitute” Wang Shuang slotted the ball into the bottom left corner from the penalty spot.
The drama continued when Haiti was initially awarded a late penalty after Chen Qiaozhu ran into Roseline Eloissaint. But upon VAR inspection, the referee overturned her decision. This brought shock to the fans in Adelaide, who surely thought a shot should have been given.
China is now the only team in the tournament to win a game despite receiving a red card.
Moment of the Day
While England fans were thrilled with the win, it was hard to fully enjoy the match after Walsh was taken away on a stretcher. While no news has been released by medical staff, it’s suspected the 26-year-old suffered a major knee injury. This is a huge blow for the Lionesses, but also for women’s soccer in general. Last year, an estimated 195 elite players suffered ACL injuries, which begs the question – what can be done to limit this epidemic?
Fan of the Day
This South African fan proudly wore her Banyana Banyana-inspired outfit to the team’s clash against Argentina. Featuring the South African colours from head to toe, as well as the country’s flag wrapped around her shoulders, this fan certainly made a splash.
Quote of the Day
“We started well, I think we played well, we scored a goal. The second half was a fight, we adapted to the situation and we really, really had to fight for the win and that’s what we did. I’m very proud of the team,” – Sarina Wiegman, England coach
Three Stars of the Day
1. Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa: Despite losing a two-goal lead, Kgatlana was one of the most influential players on the pitch. The 27-year-old set up Banyana Banyana’s first goal, and scored the second. She helped her side secure a historic first-ever point at the Women’s World Cup.
2. Lauren James, England: In the sixth minute, James’ powerful strike secured England’s second win of the tournament. It was the Chelsea star’s first goal for her country at a major tournament, and made her the second youngest English goal-scorer at a Women’s World Cup. At only 21, she’s one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
3. Wang Shuang, China: Shuang was the heartbeat of China’s team, who scored a decisive penalty kick in the 74th minute. Known as the team’s “super substitute,” she brings aggression and energy every time she steps on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
Group G continues as Sweden (No. 3) takes on Italy (No. 16) in Wellington at 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT on Saturday. The result will determine who advances to the knockouts. Then it’s back-to-back Group F fixtures when France (No. 5) tangles with Brazil (No. 8) in Brisbane at 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT, followed by a CONCACAF battle between Panama (No. 52) and Jamaica (No. 43) in Perth at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT.