Canada one win away from Olympic berth
Canada has passed every test thus far at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament, but they have one more hurdle to clear to book a spot in its fourth consecutive Summer Games.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallists need to get past Costa Rica in Friday’s semifinal at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The two finalists will move on to represent the region at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Canada is 13-0 all-time against Costa Rica, who finished second in its group behind the powerhouse United States. Canada defeated Costa Rica 5-1 in the 2016 Olympic qualifying tournament to book a trip to Rio, where they claimed their second bronze medal.
“We’re not fighting history. Every match has its own story and the match against them will be a totally different one,” said Canada head coach Kenneth Heiner-moller.
“I know they’re looking forward to playing us and they’ll definitely be ready. It’s a strong side. They have some very tricky wingers we need to deal with. We’ll be ready. There is no need to sit back now.”
Costa Rica continues to develop in the region as a women’s soccer power with coach Amelia Valverde in charge of the program since 2015. Valverde was named CONCACAF female coach of the year in 2016 and had her team a goal away from qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Costa Rica defeated Panama 6-1 and Haiti 2-0 in their opening two games before losing 6-0 to the U.S.
By the time they were to play the United States, Costa Rica had already qualified for the semifinal and rested a number of key players in preparation for Friday’s game against Canada.
“They’re a quality team that we typically play every qualification tournament,” said Canadian striker Christine Sinclair. “Both teams know each other pretty well and it’ll be a good game.”
Canada cruised through its first two games of the tournament, hammering St. Kitts and Nevis 11-0 and then beating up on Jamaica 9-0.
Sinclair became the all-time international goals leader with two goals against St. Kitts and then sat out against Jamaica. Canada didn’t miss a beat as Sinclair’s heir apparent, Jordyn Huitema, scored five goals and standout Janine Beckie had a hat-trick in the surprisingly lopsided win.
Canada then avoided the United States in the semifinal with a gritty 2-0 victory over Mexico on Tuesday, where Sinclair scored her 186th international goal and defender Shelina Zadorsky netted her second.
The win gave Canada first place in Group B, setting up the semifinal showdown against Costa Rica.
Mexico will face the United States in the other semifinal, with a berth in the Tokyo Olympics on the line.
“Mexico definitely asked us some questions, it’s a quality side,” Heiner-moller said.
“They can put a strong press on us and they did, and we knew that was coming. We tried to manage that with different structures, different places where we wanted to pick up the ball and where we wanted to pass it into.
“It took us a while to get it right, but when we got it right, I think it looked good, looked decent. I think, overall, for the three performances here, I’m very proud of the team coming here and getting nine points (three wins) and getting 22 goals. It sounds and looks convincing, but maybe it is, but it’s not easy, it’s hard work and I’m very happy about that.”
Canada entered the qualifying tournament as favourites to claim one of the two spots in the 12-team Olympic tournament in Tokyo. There is still a sizable gap between Canada, the United States and the rest of the countries in the region when it comes to women’s soccer.
Mexico and Costa Rica are working on closing the gap, but it would be considered a big upset if either were to upend the United States or Canada in the semifinals.
The final is set for Sunday (6 p.m. ET) in Carson, Calif.
“Mexico was just a step up in competition from the first two games of the tournament,” Sinclair said.
“I’m proud of how we responded. Another shutout, it’s something that we pride ourselves on. It was nice to get the victory. Nine points and to finish the top of our group is what we wanted. Now we’re preparing for Costa Rica.”