No easy touches as World Cup field narrows to final 16

PARIS Canada isn’t accustomed to losing, at least not the current makeup of the national women’s soccer team.

The 2-1 loss to the Netherlands on Thursday at the Women’s World Cup was the first time Canada has lost since dropping the final of the CONCACAF Championship 2-0 to the United States in October.

Canada had a 10-game unbeaten streak snapped and conceded two goals for the first time since that loss to the United States.

Here are three take-aways from the loss to the Netherlands:

GAME OF INCHES

Canada was awarded a penalty a minute into the game when Janine Beckie took the ball from Dutch defender Desiree Van Lunteren and was subsequently tripped and fell in the area.

As Christine Sinclair lined up to take the penalty, the video assistant referee suggested French official Stephanie Frappart take another look at the infraction. Replays showed Van Lunteren had stepped on Beckie’s left foot just inches outside of the penalty area. The call was changed from a penalty to a free kick on the edge of the area. Had penalty stood, Sinclair likely would have given Canada an early lead.

STILL IN THE FIGHT

Considering the lineup Kenneth Heiner-moller put out against the Netherlands, it was evident he wanted to finish first in the Group E standings.

A win would have pitted Canada against Japan in the second round.

As it stands, Canada will have to get past Sweden on Monday before a potential meeting with Germany.

Canada defeated Sweden in a penalty shootout at the Algarve Cup in Spain in April after the teams finished scoreless after 90 minutes of play. Before that, Canada lost 3-1 to Sweden at the 2018 Algarve Cup in Lagos, Portugal.

STRIKING OPTIONS

Sinclair showed she is still one of the premier strikers in the world.

Canada has four goals from four different scorers to this point in the tournament and has shown it has some options up front to support Sinclair.

Nichelle Prince, believed to be nursing a slight injury, will likely be available against Sweden.

Jordyn Huitema, 18, made her World Cup debut, played 90 minutes and looked dangerous after a nervy start.

Adriana Leon came on as a substitute for the second time and also got into some dangerous positions.