Argentina comeback to earn draw, England on verge of last 16

Dunedin, July 29: Argentina scored two game-saving goals in a flurry of five minutes during the second half Friday to salvage a 2-2 draw with South Africa at the Women’s 

World Cup.

The draw gave both teams a single point in Group G. Sweden and Italy, the co-leaders of the group with three points each, play Saturday.

Sophia Braun sent the ball soaring into the top right corner of the net in the 74th minute to get Argentina on the board. Romina Nunez tied it with a header in the 79th.

Linda Motlhalo scored in the 30th minute for South Africa when she knocked in a pass from Thembi Kgatlana when play slowed because Argentine players thought South Africa was offside. Kgatlana later added a goal herself in the 66th minute.

The draw gave South Africa its first ever point in the Women’s World Cup. South Africa lost every match in the group stage at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, as well as this 

tournament opener.

“I told them to play to have fun, to dribble, to play their best game. That’s why we’re here. I told them to play with that love that characterizes our football,” said Argentina coach German Portanova, on what he told the 

team down 2-0.

“Obviously we are disappointed because we could have taken three points. But we still stand a chance. We’re gonna go back hard and work on our game,” said South Africa defender 

Karabo Dhlamini.

China edge Haiti 

Despite playing with 10 players for more than an hour, China defied the odds to secure a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Friday in its second game of the Women’s World Cup.

Forward Wang Shuang scored her first-ever goal at a World Cup in the 74th minute, converting a penalty after VAR ajudged her teammate Zhang Linyan was fouled in the area.

This victory marks the second time in Women’s World Cup history that a team has won with 10 players on the field, with the previous occurrence taking place in 2011.

After a relatively uneventful opening 28 minutes, the game changed dramatically when China midfielder Zhang Rui received a red card for a tackle on Sherly Jeudy. Zhang was initially given a yellow card but, after VAR review, the decision was changed to direct red. The Steel Roses were forced to play with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

With Haiti committing additional players forward, China capitalized on the available space and Zhang Linyan was brought down in the box. VAR was again involved with an initial offside decision being reversed and a penalty kick being awarded. Halftime substitute Wang Shuang sent Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Théus the wrong way for the game’s only goal.

After dropping its opening match in heartbreaking fashion against Denmark, China’s victory against Haiti puts it level with the Danes on three points. The Asian Cup champions are still in contention to reach the knockout stage, a feat they have achieved in all seven previous World Cup appearances. 

James fires England 

With a flash of early brilliance, Lauren James ended England’s run of more than seven hours without a goal from open play to seal a 1-0 win against Denmark at the Women’s 

World Cup on Friday.

The Chelsea star scored after six minutes of her first start at the tournament to put the Lionesses on course for back-to-back wins 

in Group D.

“It was a dream and something I’ve been thinking about, but most importantly I’m happy to help us win,” James said. “I kind of had a thought and then as soon as it hit the net, it was just relief.”

James, who came off the bench in England’s tight opening win over Haiti, made a quick impression when given her chance from the start against Denmark.

Collecting the ball outside the area, she curled a right-foot shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lene Christensen to score what turned out to be the winner for European champion England.

“It came too early for us,” Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard said. “It upset us a little bit. We were then on the back foot a little bit and England got confidence through this beautiful goal.” (AP)