Sometimes you get by with a little help, even when you’re not at your best.
Ecuador’s surprising win over Costa Rica on early Sunday evening at the Pan Am Games was a welcomed result for Canada. It meant the Reds didn’t have the pressure of a “must win” on their shoulders against Brazil to secure a spot in the semifinals. A draw or even a loss would get them through, depending on goal differential.
Here are my three takeaways from the game, which ended in a 2-0 loss for Canada.
Goals dry up
An area of concern for Canada at this tournament has been a lack of finishing in front of goal. While they netted five in their opener versus Ecuador, they are now scoreless in two straight games.
Most of their chances in the opening half against Brazil were from the perimeter or came from shots at distance, all easy pickings for goalkeeper Barbara.
One of their best scoring opportunities came in the 80th minute on Jessie Fleming’s corner kick, which eventually landed on the foot of substitute Nkem Ezurike and she roofed the ball. Three minutes later, Ezurike had control in the 18 yard box and passed it off to Ashley Lawrence, who sent it high. The players seem to be panicking and getting rid of the ball quickly, rather than considering what shot to take.
Brazil finished with 10 shots on target—most of tremendous quality—compared to just four for the hosts.
Pan Am Games on Sportsnet: Watch all of Canada’s games (both men and women) and the entire knockout round live on Sportsnet. Consult our broadcast schedule by CLICKING HERE.
Weathering the storms
Even without Marta, when the sixth ranked Brazilians turn on the heat, it’s tough not to get caught standing around watching. We saw them in the FIFA Women’s World Cup just a month ago and they dazzled with their control, pace and footwork before exiting in the Round of 16.
While some may argue that this meeting was more of a formality, it did allow the Canadians to get a taste of what the Brazilians can do.
And what they do is pretty incredible. Just look at Andressa Alves’ goal early in the second half or when the Brazilians put away the victory with three minutes remaining on the clock thanks to tournament scoring leader Cristiane, with a lovely volley that beat Stephanie Labbe.
Kudos to the young Canadians, many of whom have never played an opponent of such calibre. They weren’t afraid to be physical, going toe to toe in aggressive challenges and 50/50 balls.
Back line adjustment
Kadeisha Buchanan, who returned to the line up after being away due to a school commitment, was paired with Shelina Zadorsky to start in the centre. Kinley McNicol was on their right, while the most experienced member of the roster, Chelsea Stewart, played on the left.
Rebecca Quinn suited up as a centre back the previous two matches, but against Brazil, coach Daniel Worthington placed her just above his the line in the middle for much of the game. The tactical adjustment proved to be timely in opening half, as Quinn helped clear out balls before they became too dangerous and allowed Buchanan and Zadorsky to have more time to react.
With Canada trailing 1-0, Worthington made another change. He moved Quinn back into the centre back pairing, shifted Zadorsky to the left and sent Stewart up to midfield. Zadorsky, who can slot in at any position in the back, excels as a fullback because it allows her to give reliable service to the strikers.
It’ll be interesting to see how the defenders line up come Wednesday in the semifinals against Colombia.
NOTES: Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence returned to the lineup (school commitment), along with goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe (suspension due to red card)… The last meeting between Canada and Brazil at the Pan American Games was in 2011 final, when Karina LeBlanc backstopped the squad to a gold medal victory on penalty kicks… Canada will take on Colombia in the semifinals, while Brazil will face Mexico… Brazil is the only team at the tournament to earn three wins in group stage play… Canada finished second in its group with a record of 1-2.