England validated the first place in their group at the Women’s World Cup, crushing China (6-1) Tuesday in Adelaide, which offers the reigning European champions an eighth final within their reach against Nigeria. Denmark, who beat Haiti (2-0) in Perth at the same time, got their hands on the second qualifying ticket for Pool D, but the rest looks more difficult, against Australia, co-host of the competition.
The English Lionesses have managed a full card, with three victories in as many games, which only Japan had achieved so far in the tournament. Against the Asian champions, they signed their most convincing success, after two narrow victories (1-0 each time) which cast doubt on their offensive sector. Alessia Russo (4th), Lauren Hemp (26th), Lauren James (41st, 65th), Chloe Kelly (77th) and Rachel Daly (84th) provided a scathing response, to build confidence ahead of the knockout stage. In addition to a brace, Lauren James had three assists. Former Paris SG player Wang Shuang reduced the score from the penalty spot (57th).
England, which aspires to a first world star despite the absence of several managers through injuries, will face Nigeria on Monday in Brisbane. This is the first elimination from the groups for China, in eight participations.
The Danes, for their part, did the job against Haiti, a novice in the competition, with goals from Pernille Harder (21st from the penalty spot) and Sanne Troelsgaard (90th 10). They put an end to a long series of premature failures: they have not played the last phase of a World Cup since 1995. The step will be high, next Monday in Sydney, against Australia, which ended on Monday at the top of their group after a great success against the Canadians (4-0).
