In case you missed it, here are the highlights from the women’s international friendly between Canada and Germany in Paderborn on Wednesday.
The result
Leonie Maier scored the game’s lone goal in the 53rd minute to lift the Germans to a comfortable 1-0 win over the Canadians.
The main talking points
1. Offensive struggles continue: In the build-up to this one, Canadian coach John Herdman talked about using this game to prepare his team for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be staged in Canada. Although the Reds only lost 1-0, the game underlined the disparity in class between the two sides and that Canada has a lot of work to do in the next two years. The Germans dominated the game, putting the Canadian defence under constant pressure and asking serious questions of goalkeeper Erin McLeod. While the hosts carved out chances with relative ease, Canada struggled to create anything closely resembling an offensive opportunity. Not for the first time, Canadian captain Christine Sinclair was neutralized, as the Germans cut off service to her. Canada had stretches of good possession but couldn’t force the issue in the final third of the field, often let down by a poor final ball.
2. Vets have to step up: Herdman also talked earlier this week about players such as Sinclair and other team veterans having to step up their game, especially in the offensive third of the field, if Canada is going to close the gap between itself and the elite teams. But we saw scant evidence of that on Wednesday. Particularly at fault was midfielder Diana Matheson, who on more than one occasion was played into dangerous positions but failed to convert. The worst example came in the second minute when Sinclair made a nice move down the left side and shifted the ball over to Matheson. The midfield dynamo did well to give the slip to the German defender marking her and get a clear shot on goal. But Matheson’s effort was tame at best and didn’t even test Germany’s goalkeeper. It was a wasted chance by Matheson, one that deserved better after some bright build-up play by the Canadians. If Canada is to win games like this, those chances must be converted.
3. The debuts: Herdman also said he would try to get as many youngsters as he could onto the pitch on Wednesday, and the Canadian coach lived up to his promise. Two players made their debut for Canada: forward Melissa Busque started the game, while defender Rachel Melhado came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute. Busque hardly made an impression (though she wasn’t the only Canadian guilty of that on the day), while Melhado wasn’t on the field long enough to force her will on the proceedings. Still, the young prospects needed to earn valuable playing time against Germany, ranked no. 2 in the world rankings, so kudos to Herdman for making the most of the opportunity and giving them a chance to earn their first caps. Closing the gap on teams such as Germany is a long-term process; it’s not going to happen overnight. If Herdman can continue to give as much playing time as he can to Canada’s youngsters over the next two years, the player pool for the World Cup will widen and give the Canadian coach more options.
"We'll keep working. There is still some time left to catch these Germans. All in all some good lessons, I am proud of the girls today." JH.
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) June 19, 2013
Facts and stats
Germany outshot Canada 19-4, and had an 8-2 advantage in shots on target. The Germans earned 15 corner kicks, while Canada had none.
In 11 all-time meetings at senior level between the Canadian and German women’s teams, Canada has suffered 11 losses and has been outscored 37-11.
Wednesday marked the first time ever that Canada held Germany scoreless in the first half.
The previous meeting between these sides saw Germany earn a 2-1 win over Canada at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Christine Sinclair scored a highlight-reel free kick in the 82nd minute for the Reds.
Save of the day
Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod came up big in second-half injury, coming off her line to challenge Fatmire Bajramaj and expertly tip the German midfielder’s close-range shot over the crossbar.
Goal of the day
After being thwarted by a tight Canadian defence, the hosts broke the deadlock early in the second half when Leonie Maier completed a sweeping move by the Germans down the right side and beat McLeod from a tight angle with a low shot at the far post.
Canada’s 3 stars
1) Erin McLeod: The Canadian goalkeeper put in a woman of the match performance, as she came up with a number of big saves to keep the Reds in the game and the score close.
2) Rhian Wilkinson: The veteran defender did an excellent job of marshalling Canada’s back line with plenty of timely tackles and interventions.
3) Desiree Scott: She was her usual dynamic self in midfield, doing her best to break up German attacks, and link Canada’s defence and attack together.