Cubs Rumors: Josh Hader buzz, Bregman trade, Ace trade bidding war
Cubs Rumors: Josh Hader to the Cubs continues to look like a real possibility, Chicago might be a fit for an Alex Bregman trade, Cubs could be in a bidding war for an ace on the trade market.
2023-11-29 11:17
England survive Women’s World Cup scare but Haiti highlight problems for Lionesses to solve
England have a precious first win in this World Cup but that very description is why they did not look like eventual winners of the tournament itself. That isn’t to say it will remain like this, but Sarina Wiegman has a lot of problems to solve, and a lot of work to do. Haiti at least more than set the tone for the latter. In something that has already developed into a bit of a pattern in these first few games, the supposed minnow deserved more than the 1-0 defeat they suffered through Georgia Stanway’s mercifully reordered penalty. Haiti’s brilliant young star, Melchie Dumornay, may well end up deserving a series of individual awards. She was by far the player of the match here, running the game. Haiti often gave England a runaround. The entire result ended up depending on Mary Earps standing her ground in a crucial final chance for Haiti. FOLLOW LIVE: England vs Haiti: Women’s World Cup latest scores and reaction after Lionesses secure victory The caveats to all of this shouldn’t be discounted, of course. The favourites have essentially been treating these group stages as a warm-up, even if they will not publicly say that. It could be seen in Wiegman’s line-up, which still had an element of testing a few positions and the manager not fully revealing her hand. On the other side, and this has played into that pattern, there’s been a will from some of the lower-ranked teams to seize the moment; to put it up the big nations. Haiti more than did that. This is a team and country that have gone through a tumultuous time, both in the political landscape of the nation and some of the controversies around the federation. It made it all the more impressive that the Haitian side did not look like one just making up the numbers. They instead looked like what they are: a side made up of a fair few players in the French league, not least Dumornay. They should now fancy their chances of getting through this group. England will have to really sharpen up to ensure they finish first, as expected. This was nothing like what was expected. And if it was a warm-up, it was furnace-hot. Really, it was a proper contest. The warning came as early as the first minute when England’s rustiness and Haiti’s readiness came together strikingly early. Millie Bright looked very much like she had barely played since March, as she passed an easy ball out of the back straight to Nerilia Mondesir. The danger came about 10 minutes later. Mondesir was again put through only to screw the ball wide, but the true threat here was the sensational Dumornay who put her through with a reverse pass. The entire Women’s World Cup was about to take note. Everyone could instantly see why Lyon secured her signing in January. Dumornay’s value has shot up. She was the best player on the pitch here, combining an energy and intelligence that ensured something looked like it was going to happen every time she was on the ball. This also reflected an issue with the game as a whole. England could get on the ball a lot themselves, with up to 71 per cent possession, but Haiti didn’t really allow them to control it. The personnel issues perhaps didn’t help. While Stanway and Keira Walsh attempted to set a pace in the middle, the latter was frequently marked, in a tactical move that looks like it’s going to be a challenge for the entire campaign, however long that is. It played its part in ensuring the midfield had nowhere to really move the ball with the wide players too isolated and Ella Toone regularly manoeuvred out of the game. England, not for the first time, had little recourse but to go more direct. This admittedly was the source of the essential game-breaking moment. With another ball in the air, Louis Batcheba inexplicably lifted both hands as if reaching for a line-out. Wrong sport, despite the setting, right decision. A penalty given, before another correct decision followed. Stanway struck her first penalty well but Kerly Theus did superbly to leap and force it wide. The issue was the advantage of having also stepped off her line. A retake was ordered and Stanway displayed supreme composure. The question in a moment of significant tension was whether she would go the same way. She instead went low, drilling the ball into the bottom corner. England were away, but not by much. If the expectation was that such a goal would finally kill Haiti’s enthusiasm, there wasn’t a bit of it. The back-and-forth over the penalty instead reflected how complicated the game continued to be for England. At only 1-0, there was always that unsettling feeling that one unfortunate – or, if Dumornay was involved, inspired – moment could change it all. The tension was visible in every break, every rushed clearance. It was never more acute than in the single most dramatic moment in open play, when Roseline Eloissaint suddenly broke through with less than 10 minutes remaining. She slightly snatched at her shot, though, allowing Earps to make a superb save that could yet be one of the most significant of England’s World Cup. The break was all the more concerning for Wiegman’s side, since it had come out of a period when Haiti tired. That was inevitable, but you couldn’t quite say that about another England goal. Wiegman did naturally change things a lot by bringing on Lauren James and Rachel Daly but it didn’t really change the mood of the game. That only came with the final whistle, and it was one of massive relief. Read More Sarina Wiegman admits unconvincing England lacked cutting edge in World Cup opener England underestimated Haiti in World Cup opener and revealed their Achilles heel Mary Earps is an England superstar – even if fans can’t buy her shirt Lucy Bronze: England’s legendary right-back in profile Alessia Russo: England’s attacking talent in profile Rachel Daly: England’s versatile goalscorer in profile
2023-07-23 00:56
Factbox-What is the basis for the Republican impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden?
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have opened an impeachment inquiry into Democratic President Joe Biden after
2023-09-14 05:22
All-Stars Murphy, Olson homer as Braves bounce back from rare recent loss to smash Guardians 8-1
All-Stars Sean Murphy and Matt Olson homered as the Atlanta Braves bounced back from one of their rare losses over the past month by beating the Cleveland Guardians 8-1
2023-07-06 10:28
Bethesda boss Pete Hines hits back at claim Starfield start menu was 'hastily' designed
Pete Hines insists the 'Starfield' main menu has been designed "differently" to other game menus.
2023-08-21 19:16
NBA star reserve Williams retires after 17 seasons
Lou Williams, the NBA's all-time top reserve scorer and a three-time winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award, announced his retirement from the...
2023-06-19 01:22
John Stamos recalls Bob Saget's heartfelt parenting advice that helped him become 'best buddies' with son Billy
'I wish he was around to just see how funny my son is turning out to be,' John Stamos said as he recalled memories during late Bob Saget's birthday
2023-05-19 13:24
Factbox-2023 Nobel prizes announced this week
By Johan Ahlander STOCKHOLM The Nobel prizes, arguably the world's most prestigious awards, are to be announced this
2023-10-02 16:57
'AGT' Season 18: Shadow Ace mesmerizes fans with 'stripper puppets', earning applause for his storytelling skills
'AGT' Season 18 fans erupt in applause as Shadow Ace captivates them with his mesmerizing storytelling, infusing a never-seen-before twist into the world of puppetry
2023-05-31 10:25
England's Hall clings to share of lead with Schenk at Colonial
England's Harry Hall sank clutch putts from about 10 feet on the last two holes to share the lead after Saturday's third round of the...
2023-05-28 06:53
3rd release of treated water from Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant ends safely, operator says
The operator of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant says the release of a third batch of treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean has ended safely as planned
2023-11-20 16:28
Adin Ross wins whooping $1.2M on Blackjack, Internet says ‘rich getting richer’
Adin Ross pledged to generously tip all of his friends if he succeeded in winning that sum
2023-10-27 15:26
You Might Like...
Ruby Franke and 8 passengers: The rise and fall of a parenting influencer
Senate Racing to Pass Debt Bill to Avert June 5 US Default Deadline
'Working on the rubble': Artist paints on quake-hit Turkey city
Man wanted in killing of Baltimore tech entrepreneur Pava LaPere is arrested, police say
Jets social media, Aaron Rodgers take savage shots at Sean Payton
Saudi Arabia Wants to Have Buses Running on Hydrogen Next Year
Scholarships have helped displaced Afghan students find homes on university campuses across the US
VAR officials who missed Liverpool’s ‘onside’ goal to be replaced
