2023-07-22 01:56:03
The Canadians, reigning Olympic champions, came up against Nigeria (0-0) for their entry into the World Cup on Friday in Melbourne, like their emblematic captain Christine Sinclair, who missed a penalty. This result benefits Australia, co-organizer of the tournament, which alone takes control of the group B record, following its success against Ireland on Thursday (1-0).
Crowned with their gold medal in Tokyo two years ago, the North Americans finally want to shine in a World Cup, where they have never reached the podium. But this result already places them up against the wall, with a view to qualifying for the round of 16, promised to the first two teams in the pool. “It’s a tournament. You have to bounce back very quickly. We can’t dwell on what we haven’t done, or done,” reacted coach Bev Priestman, who recalled that her team had started with a draw at the Olympics, against Japan (1-1).
Chiamaka N’decisive solution
The missed penalty by Christine Sinclair (50th) illustrates the lack of efficiency of the Canadians, who spent the majority of the meeting in the Nigerian camp. The attempt of the star striker, who holds the record for goals scored in the national team (190), women and men combined, was stopped by Chiamaka Nnadozie. The Paris FC goalkeeper was also vigilant on the close range shot of Evelyne Viens (60th).
The final assault led to the red card of the Nigerian Deborah Abiodun (90th + 7), the first expulsion from the World Cup-2023, in the absence of clear chances.
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