Women’s World Cup: USA begin title defence with win; England snatch nervy victory

Day three of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw four more games as eight teams started their respective campaigns, including the Lionesses in Group D and current world champions, the USA, in Group E.

The Lionesses began their Women’s World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory against Haiti. Sarina Wiegman’s side showed glimpses of what made them European champions almost 12 months ago, but still struggled with aspects of Haiti’s game.

Fans will remember that England began their Euros campaign with a nervy 1-0 win against Austria, so the fact that this victory wasn’t a rout shouldn’t be a concern at all.

Mary Earps wasn’t called upon often, but when she did, she made two big saves that kept her side ahead. Just another day for the current FIFA Best Goalkeeper.

Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay impressed; the 19-year-old causing England’s backline all kinds of issues. Next season, she’ll be playing at Lyon, and she gave the world a tease of what can be expected from her in the coming years as she continues to develop.

Denmark left it incredibly late against China in Group D, scoring from their first shot on target in the 90th minute.

It was certainly the fixture with the least gulf in quality between the two teams; the sides are ranked 13th and 14th in the world respectively.

Neither team looked incredibly convincing, with both teams opting to keep it tight at the back in what may be the decider for who comes second in the group, with England being the favourites to top it.

The late goal was somewhat marred by controversy, with some thinking that Rikke Sevecke was impeding Xu Huan right before Amalie’s goal went in.

Have a look for yourself!

Defending champions United States marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Vietnam.

Sophia Smith scored a brace, making her the youngest USWNT player to score more than one goal in a World Cup debut at 22 years old. Given America’s history in this tournament, it’s certainly an impressive feat.

She doesn’t only bring goals though, as Smith was easily the US’ most proactive player, offering an outlet at all times, continuously taking on defenders and making runs in behind.

Despite the loss, Vietnam stopper Tran Thi Kim Thanh had a good showing, making five saves – including a penalty.

It wasn’t a great penalty, if we’re being honest, but not many can say they’ve stopped Alex Morgan from 12 yards.

Given the USA are ranked number one in the world and Vietnam 32nd, it certainly was a special moment.

Japan had the biggest scoreline of the day, netting five past debutants Zambia.

The exclusion of Mana Iwabuchi was a large discussion point when it came to Japan, with the midfielder not playing enough in the WSL for Japan manager Futoshi Ikeda’s liking.

Iwabuchi’s efforts weren’t missed here, however, with Hinata Miyazawa scoring twice, Mina Tanaka finally getting her goal after having two earlier efforts chalked offside by VAR, and both Jun Endo and Riko Ueki getting a goal each.

Zambia struggled immensely in their first-ever World Cup match, but that wasn’t much of a surprise given Japan’s quality and technicality all across the pitch.

Back in 2011, Japan became the first Asian team, men’s or women’s, to win a senior FIFA World Cup competition. According to Ikeda, that remains a source of inspiration.

“Many of our squad were inspired by the 2011 Nadeshiko team when they were growing up,” she said. “We would like to take up the challenge again, to be the champions.”

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