China PR vs Haiti will be looking to claim their first points of the Women’s World Cup 2023 when they face off at the Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.
China PR vs Haiti: Match Preview
Having both suffered opening-day defeats to Denmark and England respectively, Friday’s match-up between China PR and Haiti is of paramount importance.
Victory for either side would set up a winner-takes-all clash from their last game and condemn the other to group-stage elimination, while a draw does precious little for either side.
China are looking to continue their record of making it to the knockout stage of every Women’s World Cup they’ve taken part in, while Haiti are still searching for their first goal and point at the global finals. It’s all to play for in Adelaide.
Team News:
China PR:
Wang Shanshan is expected to feature in the centre of the China defence with Yao Wei, while Li Mengwen and Chen Qiaozhu will operate as the two full-backs.
After being introduced at half time against Denmark, Wang Shuang could be presented with a place in the starting lineup.
Although they were unable to find the net on Saturday, China head coach Shui Qingxia is likely to persist with the forward pairing of Wu Chengshu and Lou Jiahui.
Haiti:
As for the visitors, Jennyfer Limage has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against England.
With Limage unavailable, Ruthny Mathurin is expected to come into the backline and partner Tabita Joseph in central defence.
Melchie Dumornay gained plaudits for her performance on Matchday One, and she will be key to Haiti’s chances of picking up a positive result on Friday.
China PR vs Haiti: Head to Head
- The two teams are meeting for the first time.
- China have won twice in their last ten games across competitions.
- China are making their eighth appearance as opposed to one for Haiti.
- Haiti have scored three goals and conceded 12 in five games.
- China have won twice, drawn once and lost twice in their last five games, while Haiti have lost their last five games.
All You Need Know:
- From seven global finals, China have never failed to make it out of the group stage.
- China’s defeat to Denmark means the nation have now lost their last three opening-day fixtures 1-0. At Canada 2015 and France 2019, they won the subsequent fixture by the same scoreline.
- Women’s World Cup debutants Haiti have the youngest squad in the 2023 finals with an average age of 22.3 (at the start of the tournament). They had four teenagers in their starting XI in their opening match against England.
- Les Grenadieres are one of eight debutants at these global finals.
