England opened their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with a point after Monica Ocampo's stunning strike cancelled out Fara Williams's first-half header in Wolfsburg.
England's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign got off to a frustrating start as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexico after Fara Williams's first-half header was cancelled out by Monica Ocampo's delightful strike.
England made a strong start to the Group B match and might have taken the lead on 20 minutes when Karen Carney's shot was deflected wide. The opening goal was not long in coming, however, as from the ensuing corner, Williams rose above Nayeli Rangel to head in. The lively Williams might have scored again seven minutes later when she struck a curling shot from outside the area which was well saved by Cecilia Santiago.
Though against the run of play, Mexico's 33rd-minute equaliser was worthy of the World Cup stage, Ocampo cutting inside before unleashing a dipping effort past Karen Bardsley from 30 metres. Despite the setback, England continued to carve out opportunities, Eniola Aluko driving wide moments after Mexico's leveller and missing an open goal on 53 minutes, failing to connect with the ball during a goalmouth melee.
As the match wore on Mexico looked the likelier scorers, with Stephany Mayor's goal-bound shot kept out by Ellen White's brave block in added time. The draw leaves England and Mexico two points behind section leaders Japan, who opened their tournament with a 2-1 defeat of New Zealand, England's next opponents on 1 July, when Mexico meet Japan
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