The sigh of relief amongst supporters and citizens could be heard across the country of Canada when the final whistle was sounded.
The Canadian women’s national team is off to the quarterfinals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup after defeating Switzerland 1-0 Sunday afternoon in Vancouver.
It was a far from convincing win, but it will do, for now. The host nation struggled mightily in the first half of this one, but were saved thanks to a Josee Belanger finish early in the second half.
Nothing went Canada’s way in the opening 45 minutes with head coach John Herdman’s side unable to keep possession. In what was a common theme in the group stage, the Canadian midfield and forward line encountered difficulty-setting plays.
Switzerland looked the brighter side in the early stages, but could only muster two sides off target. Even then, the Swiss, led by forward Ramona Bachmann, seemed the team destined for the round of eight.
In a rare first half attack for Canada, Belanger found herself some space down the right wing and fired a cross from distance that found it’s way to the net, beating Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann, only to strike the post.
Lara Dickenmann had a chance begging to be put into the net from eight yards out in the opening minutes, but the Swiss forward fluffed on the shot for her chance to put her side in front.
Belanger broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after a nice sequence from the Canadians. Midfielder Melissa Tancredi launched a ball into the Swiss box that found captain Christine Sinclair.
The all-time leading scorer for her country took a touch that fell into the path of an oncoming Belanger. The forward curled a left-footed ball that beat a sprawling Thalmann.
Switzerland’s defence did a fine in keeping Canada’s main attacking threat in Sinclair at bay, limiting the chances for the home side.
Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod came up big in the dying minutes with a spectacular save on the doorstep that could have saved her side’s tournament. Midfielder Vanessa Bernauer found the ball at the back post, shrugging off a defender and needing only to beat McLeod.
The stop was followed by a big ovation from the record crowd for any Canadian national team in any sport on Canadian soil with 53,855 people in attendance. The Canadian keeper has allowed just one goal in four games, making several key saves down the road.
Canada now awaits the winner between England and Norway to determine their quarterfinal opponent Saturday in Vancouver again.