China shrug off red card to beat Haiti and keep hopes alive

Wang Shuang kept China's Women's World Cup campaign alive by converting a penalty to beat Haiti in Adelaide, with the Asian side showing great resolve to claim victory despite being down to 10 players for over an hour.

The Steel Roses, who have three points from two games in Group D, face England (6) on Tuesday, knowing a win by two or more goals would put them through if Denmark also beat Haiti. A draw would also be enough if pointless Haiti beat the Danes. Haiti could even potentially qualify with a big win.

China dominated possession from kick-off and almost went ahead in spectacular fashion in the 16th minute when Lou Jiahui managed to direct an acrobatic effort at goal, but the shot was tame and easily saved by Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus.

However, the momentum quickly shifted when Zhang Rui was shown a straight red card in the 29th minute for a reckless 'studs up' tackle on Sherly Jeudy.

The Caribbean side made the most of their advantage, having a goal disallowed for offside just before halftime, but China defended resolutely to guard themselves from relentless waves of attacks.

Haiti substitute Melchie Dumornay then drew an excellent save from Zhu Yu with a side-footed shot early in the second half, but it was China who finally broke the deadlock, after Zhang Linyan was clumsily brought down by Ruthny Mathurin.

Substitute Wang, the 2018 Asian Women's Footballer of the Year, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty in the 74th minute and give her side the advantage.

Haiti pushed hard in search of an equaliser and had two penalty claims denied in a frantic closing spell, but China held on for the victory.