Josee Belanger wheels away in delight after scoring her first World Cup goal
by Todd May
Canada battled to a 1-0 win over Switzerland in the last 16 of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Josee Belanger was the hero of the day securing the win with her vital goal in the 52nd minute.
A record attendance of 53,855 packed themselves into BC Place to witness the Canadian women’s national team qualify for the Quarter Final match which Vancouver will once again play host to.
History was made today with the biggest crowd ever for a men’s or women’s team game in any sport in Canada.
With Australia knocking out Brazil earlier in the day, it was up to Canada to lay the foundation for their route to the final here at BC Place. Both teams fought with plenty of spirit but in the end it was the hosts who would hold on to the slim lead and progress into the last eight of the tournament.
The game started off with plenty of pace and desire, both sides looking to dictate tactically from the onset. Neither team was able to create any clear cut chances throughout the first 45 minutes of action despite the Canadians hitting a crossbar denying them an opening goal.
The second half started off exactly the way that the Canadian’s coach John Herdman would have liked; the hosts were able to break forward at pace forcing a cross into the Swiss box. Christine Sinclair willed her way to the ball getting her foot ahead of her marker setting up a glorious chance at the edge of the box for Belanger to smash home.
It was a massive moment for the French Canadian who Herdman managed to convince to play after falling out of love with the sport not too long ago.
Switzerland were disciplined in all areas of the pitch, Ramona Bachmann was lively as always grafting and grinding in the Canadian half hoping to conjure an equalizer.
A guilt-edged chance evaded the Swiss score sheet as their centre-back lost her marker before heading over the bar. Ana Maria Crnogorcevic was the culprit not taking the most of the opportunity from close range in what really should have been the equalizer.
The biggest and clearest chance came with just 12 minutes remaining of the 90. Vanessa Bernauer turned expertly just 8 yards out from goal, collecting her cross and firing at goal, however, the Reds had Erin McLeod to thank as she bolted out from her goal smothering the shot turning it out for a corner.
A raucous Vancouver and Canadian crowd cheered the girls’ home in the final minutes ensuring their progress deeper into tournament play.
John Herdman made note of how proud he is of his side’s win singling out his captain as one of his key players, “Christine Sinclair was monumental in this win, the girl gives it her all every match, every day.”
Switzerland coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was equally proud noting how young her side was, “we have a very young squad, they will have learned a lot and we can take it into the European Championships in 2017.”
Up next in the Quarter Final, Canada awaits the winner of tomorrow’s match which features England vs Norway. Kick off for the Quarter Final is once again scheduled for 16:30 PST Local time at BC Place, Vancouver on June 27.
