US and Japan make fast World Cup starts but England labor to victory

BRISBANE, Australia: England squeezed past Haiti 1-0 as they began their Women’s World Cup title bid in unconvincing fashion on Saturday, but holders the United States and former champions Japan were far more comfortable. European champions England have been touted as the prime challengers to a United States team chasing an unprecedented third World Cup crown in a row. But they will have to play far better than they did in front of nearly 45,000 spectators in Brisbane, where a youthful Haiti side making their World Cup debut could have snatched a point at the end.

A Georgia Stanway penalty in the first half put Sarina Wiegman’s side ahead, but despite having more of the ball and more shots, England had goalkeeper Mary Earps to thank for preserving their narrow lead. She made a superb save with her left leg as the time ticked down after Roseline Eloissaint found herself all alone with only Earps to beat. England, who have been embroiled in a dispute with the FA over bonuses in the lead-up to the tournament, are aiming to add a first World Cup crown to the European title they won at Wembley last year.

“We need more ruthlessness,” Wiegman said. “We went very close a couple of times, and their defense was tough too, but we need to keep trying, keep working on it, starting tomorrow.” Also in Group D, Denmark snatched a 1-0 win over China in Perth thanks to a 90th-minute goal from substitute Amalie Vangsgaard, who nipped in to prod home from close range. In contrast to England’s labored performance, the United States and Japan were rampant against other supposed minnows.