England Lionesses Reflect on Narrow Win Over Haiti
The England Lionesses secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in their recent match, but goalkeeper Mary Earps believes that the team could have performed better and dominated the game. Despite achieving their most important objective of securing the win, Earps acknowledged that there are still areas that need improvement.
Handling Haiti’s Quick Transitions
Earps highlighted Haiti’s quick transitions as one of the biggest difficulties the squad faced during the match. She admitted that the opposition’s speed as a team caused issues for the Lionesses. Although they were aware of this threat, Earps felt that they did not handle it as effectively as they should have.
Despite only having 25 percent of the possession, Haiti managed to create seven shots, two of which were on target. In the 81st minute, Earps was tested by a low shot driven towards the bottom right-hand corner by Roseline Eloissaint. However, her save with her outstretched foot proved to be the significant difference in securing all three points for the Lionesses.
Reflecting on her crucial save, Earps stated that her main focus was to keep the ball out of the back of the net. She acknowledged the difficulty of facing a one-on-one situation with an opposing striker but emphasized her efforts to make herself as big as possible and keep the team in the game.
Looking Ahead to Denmark
The Lionesses’ next group-stage fixture is against Denmark on July 28, and Earps expressed optimism about their prospects. She emphasized the importance of winning their first game in the group, as it puts them in a favorable position moving forward.
With their victory over Haiti, the Lionesses have gained confidence and momentum. However, they are aware that there is still work to be done in order to improve their performance and dominate future games.
Conclusion
The England Lionesses’ narrow win over Haiti has left them with mixed feelings. While they achieved their primary objective of securing the victory, goalkeeper Mary Earps believes that the team could have performed better and dominated the game. The squad struggled to handle Haiti’s quick transitions, which caused issues throughout the match. Despite having only 25 percent of the possession, Haiti managed to create several scoring opportunities, but Earps’ crucial save ensured the Lionesses came out on top. Looking ahead, the team is optimistic about their upcoming fixture against Denmark and recognizes the importance of building on their first win. With room for improvement, the Lionesses are determined to continue their journey in the tournament and showcase their dominance on the field.
(Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images)