RHIAN'S SOCCER REPORTS

CANADA FINISHES FIRST IN POOL PLAY  16th December 2010

(CSA, Tournament & RW Journal)

Last night, Canada finished in first place in the group phase of the women’s soccer Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo. Canada won the group with seven points and a +6 goal differential after a 0:0 draw with Brazil in the final match of the pool games on Wednesday 15th December. Brazil also finished with seven points, but were ranked second because of a +4 goal differential.

The two sides will meet in the championship final on Sunday 19 December at 17.00 local at the Estádio do Pacaembu (14.00 ET / 11.00 PT). While Canada faces Brazil in the final, Netherlands faces Mexico in the match for third place. Netherlands finished ther pool games in third place following a 3:1 victory on 15th December.

Canada is now undefeated in nine-straight matches dating back to a 30th September victory over China PR at BMO Field (8 wins and 1 draw). Canada has also posted eight clean sheets, with 3 by Stephanie Labbé (today’s starter) and 5 by Karina LeBlanc.

Rhian writes that "we tied Brazil 0-0 tonight and for us it was a great game. Carolina's selection gave several young players a start and they were fantastic. Brazil had us pinned in our own half for much of the game, but they rarely looked dangerous thanks to great organization and even better determination. I think special recognition needs to be given to Steph Labbe in net, who had an absolute blinder of a game and Robyn at right back was also fantastic. Everyone played very well, but these two were outstanding. Brit (Timko) won her 96th cap in this game. Welcome back to the field. It's good to see her again tearing up the wings."

The Brazilian coach said he was not surprised by the strong marking and defence of the Canadians and believes that they will try to repeat this style in the final. However, he remains confident of taking the victory on Sunday. "We will have the support of the fans, who should fill the stadium. We want to win the last game of the year and to win this important tournament title, "said Kleiton Lima.

Carolina Morace said she "was pleased with the performance of my team because we kept cool heads under pressure from Brazil. Sunday will certainly be a great final, especially because we will have a duel between Marta and Christine Sinclair, our best player, who has a fever and could not perform in this first game."

"I hope we have kept the goals for the final, "said Marta. The strong Canadian defence paid off, mainly because of at least three fine saves from goalkeeper Sthephanie Labbe on shots from outside the area."

 In the second period, Canada screwed their defence even tighter, and Brazil, even with Marta playing for the right side of the field in a tactical change made by Kleiton Lima, had more difficulties in penetrating Canada's area.

Canadá Team 22- Stephanie Labbe; 5- Robyn Gayle, 2- Emily Zurrer 15- Shannon Woeller; 3- Laura Chenard; 16- Chelsea Stewart, 17- Brittany Timko (20- Marie Eve Nault) e 10- Christina Julien (8 – Diana Matheson); 13- Amelia Pietrangelo, 19- Brooke McCalla (4- Carmelina Moscato) e 21- Diamond Simpson

Total attendance – 4.172