Every day throughout the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, 20 minutes provides an update on the highlights of the competition. This Saturday, Americans and English enforced the hierarchy against Vietnam and Haiti, two neophyte nations.
In search of a fifth star, the United States launched their tournament with a cushy victory in Auckland (3-0). The Vietnamese have obviously not made the weight, but have not sunk either in the same proportions as Thailand four years earlier (13-0). The young Sophia Smith scored two goals in the first period, before offering the third to her captain Lindsey Horan. Alex Morgan missed a penalty, saved by Kim Tranh Tran Thi. The “grandmother” of the group, Megan Rapinoe (38), meanwhile honored her 200th selection. England, another favorite, beat Haiti, 53rd nation in the world, but without shining (1-0). The European champions relied on a Georgia Stanway penalty at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Haiti held off its opponent and could even have achieved the feat without a save from Mary Earps in the 81st minute.
Japan gave Zambia no gift at Waikato Stadium (5-0). Missed their World Cup in 2019 (elimination in the round of 16) and their Olympics in 2021 (exit in the quarterfinals), the Nadeshiko took a long time to start their match since they had to wait for the 43rd minute to open the scoring, by Hinata Miyazawa. They drove the point home in the second period to sign the clearest victory since the start of the tournament, and without conceding a single shot. Finally good news for the Asian nations after the setbacks suffered by the Philippines, Vietnam and China, which suffered the law of Denmark this Saturday by conceding a goal from Amalie Vangsgaard in the 89th minute (1-0).
Les Bleues are finalizing the final details on the eve of their entry into the running against Jamaica. Elisa De Almeida suffered a calf injury in training and will not play. Estelle Cascarino should therefore accompany Wendie Renard in the axis of the defense. Faithful to the 4-3-3 since taking office, Hervé Renard should also change his tune and switch to a 4-4-2 according to The Team. Eager to add weight in the midfield and balance his team, which was sometimes overwhelmed against Australia, he is considering a pair of Grace Geyoro and Sandie Toletti in the middle. Amel Majri and Clara Mateo would take place on the wings, while Kadidiatou Diani and Eugénie Le Sommer would be associated in front. Kenza Dali would therefore come out of the starting lineup. There are still a few hours left for Hervé Renard and his staff to decide. Tick tock…