RHIAN SOCCER REPORTS

CANADA WINS TORNEO INTERNACIONAL CIDADE DE SAO PAULO

 (From the CSA and Local sources)     20th December 2010

 Canada won its third women’s international soccer tournament of the 2010 season, this time the Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo in Brazil. In the championship final, Canada extended its unbeaten game streak to 10 matches with a 2:2 draw against the host side Brazil. Both teams finished the tournament with two wins and two draws, but Canada lifted the trophy on account of the greater goal differential in four matches. The attendance was almost 19,000 people.

It was captain Christine Sinclair who made the difference once again. With the team reduced to 10 players following a red card, and with a 2-1 lead to Brazil on a Marta penalty goal, Sinclair scored less than 10 minutes from the final whistle. "I thought I would hit it as hard as I could and it went in," said Sinclair. 'The ball just came to me perfectly, (the ball was) set up nicely for a one-time shot."

The final standings of the tournament were Canada, Brazil, Netherlands and Mexico. Marta was the top scorer of the tournament with six goals, while Sinclair was second with four goals.

"We won this tournament with all of our players doing their part,' said national coach Carolina Morace. "All of our players can grow from this experience." Over the course of the 2010 streak, coach Morace has featured 25 players. No player has played in all 10 matches, although six players have featured in nine matches. Canada also posted eight clean sheets over the streak, outscoring opponents 28-3. Sinclair has been the top scorer with 11 goals in nine matches.

The result was important for the team because it keeps the momentum rolling heading toward Germany 2011. The Brazilians showed some fancy footwork (to the delight of the crowd, and the commentators) and stretched Canada's back four on occasion with their speed. But the team stayed organized and kept Marta and company off the score sheet in the first half. Then they showed good resilience to grab the late equalizer.

Josee Belanger had at least three quality chances at goal in the opening 45, and managed to head one in just before the interval, converting a cross from a resurgent Melissa Tancredi.

Marie-Eve Nault was victimized twice by dubious decisions from the official.  She earned her first yellow card in the second half, after she was said to have wasted time while taking a throw-in. Then she picked up her second yellow and was sent off, for the ball inadvertently striking her arm while she was in the area. Marta converted the ensuing penalty, and gave Brazil the 2-1 lead.

Christina Sinclair said that "The most important thing was that the Canada team did not let down with the second Brazilian goal; we had the patience to score the equalizing goal. It was exciting to beat Brazil in their own country, with this wonderful crowd. The win shows that Canada's team is strong and will do well in the World Cup in 2011."

The first half of the game was a balanced affair, with Canada having better space, but preferring to explore and defend against attacks. Brazil knew that they needed a win and looked to attack at speed, mainly through Martha and Thais. But, they could not find a way through the Canadian defence. Then came the Canadian goal, scored at 42 minutes, with striker Josee Belanger's heading in from a Tancredi cross from the left.

The Brazilian team now had to commit to an all or nothing strategy in the second half. So much so that the Brazil goalkeeper Andreia Suntaque had to make three spectacular saves in the final 45 minutes. Marta's ability to keep two defenders occupied, and who scored both goals for Brazil, was the main attacking weapon. She scored her first goal at 8 minutes in a fine solo dribble as defenders Chapman and Wilkinson became entangled. Her second goal in the 26th minute came after the penalty called on Marie-Eve.

With Brazil a goal ahead, they now controlled the game. Or at least until Christine Sinclair made her strike at 37 minutes from outside the box. The Brazilians tried to respond, heads dropped and they could not score.

Marta said that "we had a good tournament, but in some games we could not show all of our technique. The girls have had a hard season and that was part of our problem in this game.  Against a strong Canadian defence, we tried to show our fans what we can do. We want to play more often in Brazil. "

The Brazilian coach, Kleiton Lima, was resigned to the tied game. "It was a difficult game because the team is tired after a strong season. It was a game where we used a lot more heart than technique. Also, of course, we have had injuries to players like Cristian and Grazielle. We did everything possible to reverse the score, but Canada is a very good team technically. And, they are very strong and fit, probably because they have not played as mush as we have. The Canadian striker Sinclair had the power to hit a shot and they pretty much deserved the title, "concluded the Brazilian coach.

Canada’s next match is expected to be 21 January 2011 at the Four Nations Tournament in China PR, with the official schedule yet to be announced.