CANADA ADVANCES WITH WIN
Teammates cheer No. 9 Josee Belanger after scoring for Canada during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 match against Switzerland in Vancouver. It was enough — Canada won 1-0.
Josée Bélanger made
VANCOUVER John Herdman look like a genius on Sunday. Well, at least an astute soccer mind.
The 29-year-old Quebecer, shifted back to forward from the left fullback position she played in three FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage matches, scored the lone goal as Canada beat Switzerland 1-0 at BC Place to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Canadians, now 4-0-1 all time against Switzerland, will meet either England or Norway next Saturday under the dome.
The winning goal, in front of an appreciative crowd of 53,855, came off a cross into the box by Rhian Wilkinson. It was touched down by Christine Sinclair to Bélanger, who left-footed it low past Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann from 16 yards out. It was the sixth goal in 33 international games for Bélanger, who missed the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics with a long-term ankle injury.
With the Canadians looking far more dangerous in the second half after a cautious first 45, Bélanger had a great chance to make it 2-0 in the 68th minute. But her weak, half-volleyed right-foot shot was easily cleared off the line by Swiss defender Caroline Abbe.
The Canadians actually looked more dangerous in the second half than at almost any time in their three group stage games — a 1-0 win over China and a pair of draws.
The Swiss put the Canadians on their heels late. And Erin McLeod had to make a great save in close off Vanessa Bernauer in the 78th minute after the Swiss midfielder made a terrific turn in the box.
The first half played mainly between the boxes as neither side had what you call a Grade A opportunity at goal.
Canada’s most dangerous chance came when Bélanger’s long cross from the right touch line sailed on her. With Thalmann backpedalling furiously, the ball went off the crossbar and post before deflecting away off the keeper’s foot.
Canada struggled to break down the Swiss defence, frequently dribbling into defenders and losing the ball on attacks into the final third. On other occasions, they lacked speed or failed to make the right decisions with the ball.
Swiss star Ramona Bachmann had a chance close in, but her shot hit the side netting from a difficult angle.
Just before halftime, she made a nice move around Lauren Sesselmann just outside the box and cut the ball back. But a hustling Bélanger got back just in time to clear the ball away from a Swiss attacker getting ready to shoot.
Wilkinson and left back Allysha Chapman did a solid job at not giving the speedy Bachmann much room to attack and showcase her superb dribbling skills.
There were some nervy moments in the final few minutes on a couple of Swiss free kicks and corner kicks. But the Canadians, who had given up just one goal in their three earlier games, held firm.