China 1-0 Haiti: China beat Haiti despite red card in frustrating game
Haiti has been robbed of two penalties in a game that saw China go 1-0 up despite only having 10 players for more than an hour.
It marks China’s first victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup as they beat Haiti in Group D. The win for China means England, who beat Denmark 1-0 earlier on Friday, have not yet qualified for the Round of 16.
China’s midfielder Zhang Rui was shown a red card 29 minutes for a dangerous knee-high challenge on Haiti’s Sherly Jeudy. China managed to hold on for and by the 74th minute, Wang Shuang scored the only goal, converting a penalty after Ruthny Mathurin fouled Zhang Linyan.
If China had drawn or lost to Haiti, England would have advanced to the next stages. At the moment, any team could still qualify. The last matches in the group take place on Tuesday, England will play China whilst Denmark will take on Haiti.
Haiti was denied two late penalties – one wasn’t even checked by VAR, which will undoubtedly be a talking point going forward.
For China, a win over England on Tuesday would ensure they continue their record of making the knockout rounds in every World Cup they have played in.
Even a draw or defeat might be enough for the Steel Roses, but that all depends on how Denmark and Haiti get on against each other, with both of them also able to qualify.
