(Guadalupe) Jessie Fleming and Sophie Schmidt scored as Canada beat Costa Rica 2-0 on Monday to clinch top spot in Group B for the Concacaf Championship knockout stage.
Posted yesterday at 10:19 p.m.
The Canadians had plenty of chances to add to their lead on a scorching night at the Estadio BBVA, a 51,000-seat stadium that is home to CF Monterrey.
It was 40 degrees Celsius at kick-off at 6 p.m. local time.
“It was unbelievably hot,” said Canada’s coach Bev Priestman.
Canada is 15 straight against Las Ticas, leading 47-6 on goals.
“It would have been possible to win by more than two goals, but we created chances and we dominated. That’s the main thing,” Priestman mentioned.
Canada, sixth in the world and Olympic champion, and Costa Rica, 37ehad already secured their qualification for the World Cup, by securing a place in the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament.
Canada’s goal now is to reach the final, with Olympic qualification awaiting the eventual champion.
Finishing first in the group means avoiding the semi-finals of the United States, which is the highest ranked in the world.
Canada and USA have met in five of the last 10 Concacaf women’s finals; the Americans prevailed each time.
In previous group games, the Canadians shut out Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 and Panama 1-0, while Costa Rica beat Panama 3-0 and Trinidad 4-0.
“At this point in the tournament, we’ve been playing to be more and more ready for what’s next,” said Priestman.
Canada wasted no time, taking the lead in the fifth minute with a shot from Fleming.
A clearance from goaltender Kailen Sheridan went to captain Christine Sinclair, who deftly sent the ball to Nichelle Prince.
Her through ball found Fleming behind the defense and Chelsea midfielder beat keeper Daniela Solera with a left foot, securing her 17e goal in 103 international appearances.
Canada continued to advance but were unable to add to their first half lead. In the second half, Costa Rica had the ball more often, without really creating chances to score.
Schmidt doubled the lead to the 70e minute after an attack on the right flank. Janine Beckie found Adriana Leon in the penalty area and the Man U striker pivoted in favor of Schmidt, who lodged his shot close to the post. She deserved a 20e goal in 212 appearances for Canada.
Within the first three minutes of the match, Beckie and Vanessa Gilles’ headers missed the target. Sinclair suffered the same fate in the 16e minute.
Priestman inserted Adriana Leon and Jordyn Huitema to start the second half, replacing Sinclair and Prince.
Best international scorer of all time (190 goals), Sinclair went there with 313e international appearance, at 39 years old.
The Canadians won the Concacaf tournament in 1998 and 2010, beating Mexico in the final both times.
The Americans have won the other eight editions, including the last two.
The tournament is split into two groups, with the top two from each progressing to the semi-finals and qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup.
Winning the Concacaf tournament gives access to the Paris Olympics in 2024.