England 1-0 Argentina
Jodie Taylor scored the only goal of the game as England registered a second win in two games at the Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses had a tough night at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre against an Argentina team which defended like tigers. But Taylor was on the spot to win the game on 60 minutes to put Phil Neville’s team in charge of Group D.
The pre-match SBOBET odds had England at 1.084 to win but it was never that easy. They dominated possession, and peppered the Argentina defence with crosses, but
when the chances came, they either fluffed their lines or the Argentine keeper
Vanina Correa was there to save.
But it’s job done for England with qualification to the last 16 guaranteed.
Highlights of the game
After a hard fought 2-1 win over Scotland, England wanted to gather some momentum in the run up to this game and they started brightly, breaking down the right, and when Nikita Parris whipped a cross in Lucy Bronze met it but the Lyon star headed wide.
32 year old midfielder Jill Scott put in a dominant display against Scotland and the Manchester City player was at the centre of England’s good play again, but the Lionesses struggled to make progress as the Argentina players were quick in the tackle. Lorena Benitez was a little too aggressive though with a challenge on Beth Mead, giving England a free-kick from around 20 yards. Steph Houghton stepped up but chipped her effort over the bar.
The first big drama came on 27 minutes when Linda Bravo slid into Alex Greenwood as the wide player burst into the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. There was an agonising wait before Parris struck her penalty cleanly but at a good height for Vanina Correa and the Argentine keeper got a strong hand to the ball to divert it onto the post.
Correa denied England again on 40 minutes, making a fine save to deny Mead after a scramble in the Argentina penalty area. The underdogs were defending doggedly and reached half time level, finishing strongly with an attack of their own.
Parris continued to raid down the right wing and got two good crosses in early in the second half. And she had a chance on 50 minutes and hit a sweet strike but straight at Correa who saved well. And then Jodie Taylor got on the end of a Parris cross but headed at Correa again when a yard either side would have beaten the keeper.
Then finally, on the hour, England broke through. After a swift break Mead put in a beautiful ball on a plate for Taylor to poke home. It was a superb incisive move and one to watch on the Women’s World Cup 2019 highlights.
Scott had a great chance to make it two, on 71 minutes, when Greenwood floated a great ball in but the midfielder headed over.
Carly Telford had a quiet evening in goal for England but was called into action when Mariana Larroquette fired a shot in and Telford saved well. But that was the only effort on target from Argentina who had played with great passion, and no little aggression, but without the guile to create a really good chance.
Key statistics
England dominated the first half and had plenty of success down the flanks, sending 30 crosses into the Argentina box, but they couldn’t find the cutting edge, with only three shots on target.
By the end of the game the Lionesses had enjoyed 75 per cent possession and won the shot count by seven to one. Argentina goalkeeper Correa was had a good case for player of the match, but that accolade went to Jill Scott.
England have scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches but Argentina is yet to score a goal in this competition.
The USA gave Thailand a 13-0 hammering earlier in the week and the Women’s World Cup 2019 betting odds place the Americans as favourites, alongside hosts France; they certainly know where the goal is.
It’s the second time these two teams have met; the first was a 6-1 win for England back in 2007, but this time around Argentina fought tooth and nail and made it tough for the Lionesses.
What’s next?
Argentina earned an unlikely point in a 0-0 draw with Japan in their opening fixture and next up England will take on Asako Takakura’s team to decide who takes top spot in Group D.
Japan have just beaten Scotland today and Argentina can still qualify if they can emulate England too and beat the Scots. They certainly have the will, but do they have the skill?
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