Canada wrapped up group stage play at the Concacaf Women’s Championship on Thursday night with a win over Costa Rica that put it one step closer to qualifying for next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The Central Americans needed a win, along with a couple of goals, to stay alive and advance to the tournament semifinals. Instead, Costa Rica came up short and remains winless in 13 meetings against Canada, who now moves on to the final four.
Here are my takeaways from Canada’s 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in Edinburg, Texas.
Ideal time to face Costa Rica
After Canada thrashed Cuba 12-0 earlier this week, the timing of this match against a side that had to buckle down and play desperate soccer was perfect for the Reds. At this point in the competition, nothing would be worse than Canada feeling too comfortable ahead of the knockout stage and just coasting.
The Costa Ricans forced the Canadians to recognize some of their bad habits, such as not closing gaps and not making their opponents pay for their mistakes — two trouble spots a week ago in a laboured 2-0 win over Jamaica. It took Canada a good 20 minutes to find their legs on Thursday night, but Janine Beckie’s goal midway through the first half was just what the doctor ordered, as her calm finish gave the Reds a 1-0 lead and provided a sense of relief for the rest of the squad
In terms of defending, the group closed in well on veteran Costa Rican captain Shirley Cruz. The 33-year-old has had a formidable international career, but Canada kept the Costa Rican creator at bay, limiting her chances. Raquel Rodriguez, another dangerous attacking player for the Central Americans, was also held in check.
I thought Canada adapted well to the 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 formation thrown at them. But Costa Rica’s Gloriana Villalobos did beat Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe with a lovely finish, as the teen took advantage of a Canadian backline that turned off for a moment. It’s the only goal the Reds have conceded at the competition thus far.
Underrated Allysha Chapman
My first memory of Allysha Chapman was during a friendly versus Japan in Edmonton in the fall of 2014. Chapman was back in the national team fold following a bit of an absence and after spending time playing professionally overseas. Canada lost that game 3-0, but Chapman made her mark through her work ethic alone.
Four years later, she works as hard as ever, and has now been given the freedom to wander up the pitch as a fullback. Her pass on Christine Sinclair’s 175th international goal to give Canada the 3-0 was textbook material.
It was nice to see her rewarded with an assist. She’s an unsung hero for this team and is a player from whom the team’s youngsters can learn.
Calls for VAR
Around the 33rd minute, Carol Sanchez was shown a yellow card for hacking at Sinclair’s leg. Moments later, she blocked the ball in the box with her arm. Inadvertent? Natural position of arm? Perhaps, but I can say with confidence that players were penalized for far less during the men’s World Cup this summer in Russia.
Over the course of the game, there were a lot of fouls behind the play that were not called. Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming, in particular, took a beating.
Consistency is critical when it comes to officiating and while it didn’t cost Canada anything substantial on this night, what if it does in the semifinals? It’s only common sense for Video Assistant Referee, or VAR, to be used at the Women’s World Cup in France next year. The players deserve it.
Notes: Canada plays Panama in the tournament semifinals on Sunday. The winner secures a spot at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. The loser will have another chance at clinching a World Cup berth if they win the third-place game… Panama advanced to the Concacaf semifinals for the first time with a 2-0 win over Mexico on Wednesday. That result left Mexico third in Group A, eliminating them from the tournament. That means Mexico will miss out on a World Cup for the first time in over a decade. Panama has never qualified for a World Cup…
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