Women peaking on the pitch at right time

Shut-down defence could carry Canada to World Cup glory

The Canadian women’s national soccer team flexed its defensive muscle again on Friday in its final tune-up for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Canada posted another shutout in a 0-0 tie against Spain in the northern Spanish town of Logrono.

It was the eighth time in nine matches this year that Canada has not conceded a goal, and it kept its undefeated record intact heading into the World Cup.

Canada opens its World Cup tournament on June 10 against Cameroon in Montpellier, before taking on New Zealand on June 15 in Grenoble and then concluding its Group E play June 20 against European champion Netherlands in Reims.

Spain also qualified for the tournament and is in a group with Germany, China and South Africa.

Despite not scoring, the tie was another positive result for the Canadians, who are peaking heading into the tournament where they are considered contenders for the title.

“It’s awesome right now,” said defender Rebecca Quinn, following Canada’s 3-0 victory over Mexico in its sendoff match this past Saturday in Toronto. “Just looking at this year alone, the results we’ve gotten this year have been huge. So I think we’ve built a lot of confidence as a group.”

Not surprisingly for the final pre-tournament game for

Canada and second-last for Spain, both sides took a cautious approach to the contest, not wanting to pick up an injury this close to the games that count.

The eighth instalment of the Women’s World Cup begins on June 7 with France taking on South Korea in Paris. ‘REALLY CONFIDENT’

Canada is sending, arguably, its most talented squad to the World Cup.

Its best result at the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2003 in the United States, losing to Sweden in the semifinal.

In France, Canada is aiming for at least another semifinal berth and a shot at a major tournament final for the first time in its history, which includes backto-back Olympic bronze medals.

While the focus heading into France is on veteran striker Christine Sinclair and her quest to become the most prolific international goal scorer in the history of the game — she’s now just four away from the record — the strength of the Canadian team is its defence.

It boasts one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Stephanie Labbe and one of the most formidable back lines in the women’s game.

The only goal Canada has conceded this year was in a 2-1 win against African champion Nigeria in an exhibition game in Spain this past April.

“It’s amazing to play behind that team. They make my job so easy,” said Labbe, who didn’t have to make a difficult save against Spain.

Anchored by centre back Kadeisha Buchanan, Canada’s defence has evolved into a group that’s as comfortable playing the ball out from the back as they are winning a tackle.