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SOCCER MEDIA REPORTS:

CANADA TO PLAY AUSTRALIA IN OLYMPICS WARM UP

22nd May 2008

From a CSA Report

Canada is getting its rematch. Canada’s women’s national team announced today that it will face Australia in an international friendly on 23 May in Sydney. It will be Canada’s first contest with the Australians since a 2:2 draw at last September’s FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007, a draw that in essence eliminated Canada from the competition.

“Even though we are again bound for another big trip, the team is eager to play Australia in Sydney,” says coach Pellerud. “Australia has for years been such an even competitor for us. They have proven to be able to beat all teams around (the world). As late as some few days ago, they held the United States 2-2 until overtime (the United States won 3:2). Games of this nature will help us tremendously in our Olympic Games preparations.”

Canada’s women’s national team, whose title sponsor is Winners, finished 9th at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007. After a 1:2 loss to Norway (Norge) and 4:0 win over Ghana, Canada needed a win over Australia to advance to the quarter-final. After taking a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute on a Christine Sinclair goal, Australia’s captain Cheryl Salisbury tied the match in the 92nd minute, thus moving Australia along and sending Canada home.

Since China 2007, Canada has successfully qualified for the 2008 Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Beijing. Canada won its spot last month at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Juarez, México. From January to April, Canada compiled an official record of five wins, four draws and two losses. Canada also won the 2008 Cyprus Cup.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners, is currently ranked 9th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. On the road to the Olympics, Canada has already scheduled a 10 May friendly with the top-ranked United States, the 23 May friendly in Australia, and the 14-21 June Peace Queen Cup. Canada’s first three matches at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament are 6 August against Argentina, 9 August against hosts China, and 12 August against Sweden (Sverige).