RHIAN MEDIA REPORTS
CANADA CARRIES OFF CYPRUS CUP 28th January 2010
Canada's Women’s National Team defeated New Zealand 1 - 0, on 3rd March 2010 at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia.
Canada carries off the 2010 Cyprus Cup. This was Canada's third consecutive appearance in this Cup final, having
won the 2008 tournament and finished as runner-up in 2009.
Canada advanced to the final after finishing first in Group 2 with maximum 9 points. Canada defeated Switzerland (2:1), England (1:0), and South
Africa (2:1). New Zealand came out on top in Group 1 with a 1:0 victory over 11th-ranked Italy, then a 1:1 tie with the Netherlands before closing out group play with
a 3:0 win over Scotland.
The Nicosia pitch had recovered from the deluge
of last week, and today the sky was clear blue. However, a cold wind swirled through the GSP stadium. Canada elected to play an
attacking 4- 3- 3 formation, and wore their all red strip. The NZ women were in all Black.
The opening of the match was held
at frenetic pace, and neither side could maintain possession. However, at 9 minutes, Canada conceded a
free kick for a foul near the top of the penalty box. New Zealand sent the attempt sailing over bar.
At 14 minutes Some good Canadian passing created space, but Julien’s cross into the box was pushed out for a corner. The corner kick
was blocked for a second corner, but Canada fouls. Canada slowly began to look the more dangerous team. Both Canadian outside
backs started to launch attacks down wings. At one point, Moscato found JAR running down wing, but her long shot was saved
by the NZ keeper.
There were the occasional All Black forays, and at 19 minutes, they found space, but skied the shot high. Soon after, KK received a
yellow card for a hand ball outside the box. Fortunately, Canada defended the free kick well.
Sinclair was still dangerous, despite being double-teamed, and at 28 minutes,
she latched onto a long ball, and only a last ditch tackle
stopped her. Then Kelly Parker beat her defender down Canada's right
side and created three good chances, but none of them hit the
target. Once again Sincy created some space for herself, but JAR was offside when she received Sinclair's pass.
Sinclair continued to be a thorn in the Kiwis' side as she back heeled a pass to Parker, but her cross was easily cleared.
By the end of the half, Canada’s quick Matheson and Parker were winning the mid-field battle. Canada enjoyed most of the
possession and chances, but the score remained 0 – 0.
Canada began the second half where they had finished the first. Just 4 minutes from the restart, a dangerous Kelly Parker cross fell to
JAR whose hard shot hit a defender. Another great chance for Canada. Then on the hour, Canada engineered a 4 on 3 break, but Matheson
shot from distance; straight at the keeper. Then Sinclair stood up a cross from Julien to the back post, but her header was caught by the NZ
keeper.
At 66 minutes, JAR was replaced by Desiree Scott and finally at 70 minutes,
all the Canadian pressure paid off. Diana Matheson fired a long
range strike into the top corner, a brilliant shot, and Canada led 1-0. And, once again, it was Sinclair who
had set up the ball for Diana to blast it
into the goal. The NZL goalkeeper didn't even move.
The Canadians continued to pressure and look the fitter team. Karina did not touch the ball for some 30 minutes. In the last ten
minutes of the match, Canada switched to a 4-4-2 formation, and the team worked hard all over the pitch. There were 3 minutes of time added, and at 90 minutes, Sari Raber substituted for Julien.
The final score remained at 1 - 0
and Canada are the 2010 winners of the Cyprus Cup. Canada had drawn 1:1 in its last two matches against New Zealand including the opening match of last year’s Cyprus Women’s Cup. However,
Canada holds the advantage in the all-time head-to-head record with New Zealand now recording five wins, three draws, and a loss in the nine
matches played.
Team: LeBlanc, Nault, Chapman, Zurrer, Wilkinson, Parker, Moscato, Matheson, Julien (Raber 90 mins), Robinson (Scott 66 min)
and Sinclair
