All about England's first Women's World Cup 2023 opponents Haiti
The Lionesses’ first test will be against the side ranked 53rd in the world and Haiti will give their all in this World Cup in a show of defiance, resilience and celebration for their country and their team.
The Caribbean country has been hit by natural disaster and political volatility over the past two decades as well as a sexual abuse scandal that tarnished the Haitian Football Federation in 2020.
But as they prepare for their World Cup debut, Haiti are hoping to create positive headlines and a new footballing legacy.
Expectations Down Under
Haiti will not shy away from the fact they enter the World Cup as rank outsiders but their fearless mentality could cause a few surprises in Group D.
Their shock win over Chile in the qualifiers is certain to bolster this side’s chances and if they step up to the occasion, crowds Down Under may just find a soft spot for the underdogs.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
How will they play?
Coach Nicolas Delepine has set up a different formation for each of Haiti’s last five fixtures.
The Frenchman opted for five at the back against the USA in the CONCACAF Championship last year, which gives a strong indication of how defensive their set-up will be against the Lionesses.
If Haiti can get Lyon’s new signing Melchie Dumornay into the game, however, their attacking threat could cause problems for their rivals who are all ranked inside the top 20 in the world.
Fixtures
22 July – England v Haiti, Brisbane
28 July – China v Haiti, Adelaide
1 August – Haiti v Denmark, Perth
Form Guide
Haiti had a stunning qualification run-in to make the World Cup, thrashing Senegal 4-0 in the inter-confederation play-off semi-final.
That was followed by victory over Chile as Haiti clinched their spot on the biggest stage back in February.
But form of late has not favoured the Caribbean team and they lack momentum going into the group stage, winning just one of their last five fixtures.
After getting knocked out of the Central American and Caribbean Games group stages earlier in the month, and losing 2-1 to South Korea in a friendly, Delepine will have to turn things around quickly if he wants his side to make a mark in Australia.
Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga
Star Player
The World Cup comes at a good time for star player Dumornay, more widely known as Corventina, who started her contract with French titans Lyon this month.
The 19-year-old had top clubs from across the world vying for her signature but the young talent chose the French champions and has now moved on to the club she always dreamed of playing for.
Melchie Dumornay could pose a serious threat to a Lionesses defence that is missing captain Leah Williamson (Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)As a youngster, Corventina helped Haiti qualify for their first-ever U20 World Cup and was just as crucial in the senior qualifiers, scoring in the 98th minute to seal their historic fate.
The winner of Goal's NXGN award as the best teenage player in the world in 2022, Corventina will hope to set her first World Cup alight and will be determined to build upon a successful season in France, with 11 goals and 5 assists in 18 Division 1 Féminine appearances for Reims.
Ones to Watch
Leading Haiti into their first-ever World Cup is Nerilia Mondesir.
The 24-year-old is also a talented judoka but opted to pursue a career in football and has been prolific for club and country in recent years.
The Haiti captain bagged nine goals and two assists last season for Montpellier and will pose a threat to the Lionesses.
Wiegman’s side will also have to be wary of 19-year-old Dayana Pierre-Louis, another goal-scoring midfielder who also made her move to France and is part of the upcoming Haitian generation hoping this first World Cup will not be their last.
How did they qualify?
Haiti qualified in February in nail-biting fashion to disrupt a Chilean party in New Zealand, Corventina scoring in injury time at the end of each half.
Who's in charge?
Experienced Frenchman Delepine has 20 years of experience, previously managing French clubs including Grenoble and Montpellier.
The 44-year-old has had an instant impact in his first year in charge of Haiti and will ensure his side are well drilled ahead of their big stage bow.
Anything else I should know?
Midfielder Danielle Etienne has strong footballing genes.
Her brother Derrick Jr. plays for Atlanta United and her father Derrick Sr. also wore the Haitian shirt, though he never made a World Cup.
The American-born 22-year-old plays club football in the US and learnt Creole after she joined the national team - now she translates for her teammates.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
