James screamer gives England win over Denmark, SA denied

SYDNEY: Lauren James scored a wonder strike in her first Women’s World Cup start to lead England to a 1-0 Group ‘D’ victory over Denmark on Friday while Argentina launched a thrilling comeback to deny South Africa a first win ever at the tournament as the sides drew 2-2.

James screamer all but guaranteed the European champions a spot in the knockout stage.

Coach Sarina Wiegman made two bold changes to Friday’s squad, moving the versatile Rachel Daly back to defence and inserting James into the starting lineup — and the two teamed up to score in the sixth minute at Sydney Football Stadium.

“It was a dream, it was something I’ve been thinking about, but most importantly, just happy to help the team win,” James told the BBC. “I’m calm all around, on and off the pitch, and I just try to bring that to my game as well. Today I showed that.”

Daly knocked the ball to James, who sped past one defender then curled in a rocket from 22 yards out that goalkeeper Lene Christensen had little chance of stopping.

England’s World Cup hopes suffered a major blow, however, towards the end of the first half when Keira Walsh crumpled to the pitch with what looked like a serious knee injury. The Barcelona midfielder signalled to staff with a hand slash to the throat that she was done.

Walsh will be tough to replace in an England side already missing captain Leah Williamson, Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and Fran Kirby to serious knee injuries.

“It did look serious, if you can’t walk off the pitch it looks serious,” Wiegman said of the injury to Walsh, who left the stadium on crutches. “But we just finished the game.”

James’ goal in front of a pro-England crowd of 40,439 also ended her side’s scoring drought from open play after they went four games without one.

In the last match of the day, China are still alive after a chaotic 1-0 win over debutants Haiti in Adelaide in which the Steel Roses played more than an hour with 10 players.

China looked to be in serious trouble when they had Zhang Rui sent off in the 29th minute for a clumsy tackle on Sherly Jeudy.

Defeat for China would have ended their World Cup and sent England through, and they were under the cosh for much of the second half.

But Zhang Linyan was brought down in the box by Ruthny Mathurin against the run of play and after a lengthy VAR review, substitute Wang Shuang made no mistake with her 74th minute penalty.

China are now level with Denmark on three points and eyeing a spot in the knockout rounds, meaning the group remains in the balance going into the final group matches.

Earlier in the Group ‘G’ match, South Africa were cruising to a historic first win in five matches at the World Cup after goals by Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana either side of half-time in Dunedin, New Zealand.

But Argentina pulled one back via a stunning Sophia Braun strike in the 74th minute and then drew level five minutes later when Romina Nunez headed home.

“It is about taking our chances, making better decisions in the final third. If we take our chances we have a different conversation,” coach Desiree Ellis said. “Today was a great opportunity to put ourselves a step ahead, but it is not all lost.”

Appearing at their fourth World Cup, Argentina have still never won in 11 attempts themselves.

Argentina and South Africa have one point each in Group ‘G’.

Favourites Sweden and Italy have three points before facing off in Wellington on Saturday, ahead of a decisive final round of games on Aug 2.

Also on Saturday, France face Brazil in a must-win game in Brisbane while Jamaica play Panama in the same Group ‘F’.

Held to a goalless draw by Jamaica in their opening match, France are under pressure and are sweating on the fitness of captain Wendie Renard.

She is battling to recover from a calf injury but took part in training on Friday.

“We are not certain tonight 100 per cent, we will have the answer tomorrow because training sessions do not compare to a competitive game,” coach Herve Renard said on the eve of the game when asked about the Lyon stalwart’s fitness.