Canadian women shrug off scoring troubles
Despite the fact Canada has scored just one goal over two games at the Women’s World Cup, leaving some fans concerned about a scoring drought, the players say they aren’t worried.
Christine Sinclair scored a stoppage-time penalty kick against China in the opening match of the tournament. It has been the only goal for the Canadians.
On Thursday, after the game was delayed 30 minutes due to a thunderstorm, Canada couldn’t slip a shot past New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler, leaving the game tied 0-0.
“Yes, it is frustrating, but I think it would be even more frustrating if we didn’t create any chances,” midfielder Sophie Schmidt said after Thursday’s game at Commonwealth Stadium. “I think we took a step in the right direction (against New Zealand). That was what was missing from our China game, and now it’s just (improving) the quality in front of the net.”
Canada had scoring chances against the Football Ferns.
One of Sinclair’s best chances was tipped up and off the crossbar by Nayler.
Jonelle Filigno looked like she was about to finish a beautiful header, but that too was stopped by Nayler. Melissa Tancredi was also stopped, extending her goalless streak to 17 games.
“I think on any other day, Christine Sinclair would have two and Jonelle would have had one as well,” Schmidt said. “It just wasn’t our night.”
Sinclair shrugged off the lack of finish saying the goals will come.
“It’s the game of soccer. Obviously, we would have liked to put one away, but top of the group after two games, we can’t have too many complaints,” she said.
“We’re creating chances. I’d be concerned if we weren’t creating chances. Sooner or later, they’re going to go in.”
Canada travelled Friday to Montreal, where it will finish Group A play with a game Monday against the Netherlands. A win against the Dutch, who won their first match and lost their second, would put Canada atop its group standings.
Coach John Herdman said the team has been growing with every game, and hopes his players continue building momentum in the next match.
“Looking at the positives, three shots on target in two games (for the opposition). Teams aren’t able to break Canada down in way that they are used to. I think attacking-wise, it’s not like we’ve parked the bus in any of these games and defended deep,” said Herdman.
“We’ve actually been on top in both games. For the fans, there’s always an expectation there. We want to win a World Cup at home. But the main thing is you just keep progressing through the tournament.”