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March 3 – It took extra time, but Canada eventually dispatched Costa Rica 1-0 in a one-sided quarter final that saw the Canadians throw everything they had at Costa Rica’s defence and their outstanding goalkeeper Daniela Solera.
To get to that point though it took the save of the match from Canada’s Kailen Sheridan in added time to keep the Canadians from suffering a shock defeat.
In the end it was their inspirational captain Jessie Fleming who drove them into the semi-finals later this week in San Diego, winning the free kick on the edge of Costa Rica’s box that she then chipped to Evelyn Viens who headed the ball on and over a stranded Solera.
Canada had breezed through their group scoring more than any other nation in the group stages, and not conceding a goal – they still haven’t. But their worry is that even with the goals they have scored, the number of chances missed is a glaring stat that needs addressing.
Three days ago these two teams met each other in the final game of group C in Houston with Canada winning 3-0.
Canada went into the quarter final pairings as the highest ranked group qualifier. Costa Rica, level on points, goal difference and cards with Puerto Rico, advanced as the eighth ranked side only after their name was drawn first. That meant they had to face Canada again, this time in Los Angeles in the first of the quarter finals at the BMO Stadium.
Canada’s Bev Preistman made five changes from the 11 that started against Costa Rica in Houston. Jade Rose and Gabby Carle returned at full back while Ashley Lawrence and Quinn returned to partner Jessie Fleming up front.
Canada dominated the first half, much as they did in the previous fixture, but were unable to break the stubborn Costa Rica defence that got players behind the ball in numbers, martialled in the middle by Gabriella Guillen and Valerie del Campo.
On 7’ Jordyn Huitema won a corner on the right, Adriana Leon’s cross was just headed over by Jessie Fleming….
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/03/03/extra-time-drama-sees-canada-squeeze-past-costa-rica-w-gold-cup-semi-finals/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-03-03 03:16:46
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