The Canada women’s national soccer team got their focus back on the field with an impressive performance in their second game at the SheBelieves Cup
Canada’s goaltender Kailen Sheridan (1) kicks the ball away from Brazil forward Ludmila (7) who was defended by defender Kadeisha Buchanan (3) during the second half at Geodis Park February 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sport
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The Canada women’s national soccer team got their focus back on the field with an impressive performance in their second game at the SheBelieves Cup.
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Perhaps last week’s industrial dispute with Canada Soccer undermined just how talented the team really is and should be seen as a serious contender for winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia this summer.
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Canada drew attention to themselves with an impressive 2-0 win over Brazil at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday.
Vanessa Gilles and Evelyne Viens scored in Canada’s win, while goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan did an excellent job of conceding the shutout.
Canada will conclude the tournament against Japan on Wednesday in Frisco, Texas. Earlier in the day, the United States defeated Japan 1-0 on the same field. At the end of the tournament they play against Brazil in Frisco.
“I’m really proud of the group, of what they’ve accomplished and of getting back on their feet,” said Canada head coach Bev Priestman. “We said today we have to keep climbing and moving forward and we did. In my time we haven’t had a two-goal win against Brazil, so not conceding a goal and scoring two set pieces and having some young players on the pitch who I think were outstanding; Overall I’m very happy and it was nice to see the group smile, a win really helps.”
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Just three days after an emotional 2-0 defeat by the United States, played in protest, Canada looked more organized and determined despite still being embroiled in an equal pay dispute with the national federation.
Gilles opened the scoring in the 31st minute when he completed a Jessie Fleming corner and headed past Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena. The goal was Gilles fourth for her country, scoring set pieces from her central defender position.
In front of goal, Adriana Leon had a great opportunity to put Canada on the board, but Lorena made an excellent save at the near post and saved a shot with her left arm.
“I have to give Bev a lot of credit for her set pieces,” said Brazil head coach Pia Sundhage. “We struggled with that and they are very good at it. The other two games we played against them (in November) it was the same story, we struggled with that.
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“Every time they have a set piece they look dangerous. And Canada is improving, as are we all, which I think is good and why it’s so interesting to be in women’s football because every single country is increasing the level every day.”
Canada started in a 4-3-3 formation against Brazil with Janine Beckie, Adriana Leon and Ashley Lawrence in a striking trio. Simi Awujo, Julia Grosso and Fleming formed the midfield, while Gilles and Kadeisha Buchanan started in central defense with Allysha Chapman and Jade Rose on either side.
Canada had the most possession in the first half of a very physical contest. After falling behind, Brazil created a few opportunities in the second half but couldn’t get past Sherdian, who ended the game with six saves.
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“I think to win a World Cup you need a world-class keeper and we have that,” said Priestman. “It’s pretty amazing to me; When you think of Steph (Labbe) retiring and she had to fill in, I can’t think of a game where she didn’t make some world class saves and have done so repeatedly. She is very humble and has been and will continue to be outstanding.
“Its distribution; their ability to hit the ball long and short and their world-class saves, it’s a pleasure to have someone of that quality.”
Canada held off a powerful Brazilian push, especially after the icon Marta came on with half an hour to go. Marta, who is celebrating her 37th birthday, is still a dynamic player and has created a number of opportunities for Brazil with her superb passing game.
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After holding off Brazil, Canada pushed back at the other end and Viens scored when a ball played into the box bounced down at her and she hammered it past Lorena through a defender.
“I’m really happy for Eve, it’s never easy if you haven’t had all the minutes you wanted to play,” said Priestman. “I think Evelyne has grown, tonight too, I thought her defense work has been a lot better and she’s growing in that area.
“When you’re playing top 10 teams I think you have to balance what you’re getting on offense and what you’re getting on defense and I thought she did an excellent job tonight. She has this smell in the box that she can find wherever the ball is and she did that tonight.
Email: [email protected]
On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest
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