Denmark scored with their only attempt on target to win on their first Women’s World Cup appearance since 2007 as substitute Amalie Vangsgaard’s 89th-minute header sent Lars Sondergaard’s side level with England at the top of Group D.
Vangsgaard placed a powerful header from Pernille Harder’s corner beyond goalkeeper Xu Huan as her country recorded their first ever win over China at the finals, deciding a game in which both teams lacked incision but showed their credentials to qualify from a tight-looking group.
The Lionesses’ 1-0 victory over competition debutants Haiti earlier on Saturday means their meeting with Denmark in the second round of group games provides the potential for both nations to qualify for the knockout stage.
Appearing at their third successive edition of the finals, China had the better of the first half, causing Denmark problems on the flanks while keeping their opponents from producing a single meaningful attempt despite the presence of two-time UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Harder in attack.
In a sign of her belief that the game was China’s to win, manager Shui Qingxia sent on one of the Asian champions’ most prolific and experienced players at the break in the form of ex-Paris St-Germain star Wang Shuang.
Josefine Hasbo headed over for the European nation when presented with an open goal but her miss was redeemed during a period of late dominance for Denmark, Vangsgaard finding the winner four minutes after coming on, confirmed by a VAR check.
China appealed for an equaliser in added time when Shuang’s vicious freekick struck a post and appeared to be cleared off the line just in time by Simone Boye, but the move was correctly deemed offside as they sustained their first defeat in four encounters with Denmark on this stage.
The Red and White’s fixture with England takes place in Sydney on Friday, while China play Haiti in Hindmarsh later on the same day.
