Canada’s run of being unbeaten this year and in the Women’s World Cup came to an end against the Netherlands. However, the Canadians still move on into the knockout round and the round of 16.
In a battle of unbeatens through the first two matches of Group E, it was the Netherlands that prevailed over Canada 2-1 at Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims, France on Thursday.
Canada will next meet up with Sweden in the knockout stage next on Monday at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. While the Netherlands play Japan on Tuesday at Stade de la Route de Lorient in Brittany, France.
Sweden the next opponent for Canada ended up in second place in Group F after they were beaten by the USA 2-0 also on Thursday. Sweden had won its first two matches over Chili and Thailand before losing its last one.
“I know if we play to our best, we can beat everyone and that includes anyone we may face in the next rounds,” Canada Women’s National Team Head Coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller said. “We were trying to win this match because that is what we do and we did very well. We need to learn from this game, shift quickly and focus on the next task. We’re only looking forward.”
On Thursday, it was a battle through the first half, which the Canadians had some chances of scoring but the Netherlands were the ones that had possession and more of the attack.
Even though, Canada thought they had an opportunity of a goal scoring chance with a potential penalty kick in the opening minute, which Janine Beckie was taken down with her run on the ball in the box. After a video review, it was determined that the foul occurred outside of the penalty area..
In the second half, the Netherlands broke the scoreless tie in the 54th minute. Anouk Dekker scored on a header near the back post from a Sherida Spitse free kick for the 1-0 lead.
About six minutes later, Canada tied the match up off the leg of Christine Sinclair sliding for the opportunity into the back of the net.. Ashley Lawrence played a perfect ball for the goal. Sinclair scored her 182nd international goal which leaves her three short of the all-time record.
The Netherlands’ found the goal to win the match in the 75th minute. Lineth Beerensteyn scored it off her left leg ahead of the Canadian defense and beat goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe for the 2-1 score.
“The Dutch team was very talented and have some world-class players,” Sinclair said. “It took us some time to get into the game and find our rhythm. We were disappointed with the result, but proud of how we grew into the game.”
Canada has another good opponent waiting in the next round in Sweden. The Canadians will need to come out stronger and ready if they want to move on to the quarterfinals.
“We have a massive game coming up in four days,” Sinclair said. “So, in a way this was a wake-up call for us going into the Round of 16.”
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