Brazilian women did not come to Montreal to attend the celebrations surrounding the end of Christine Sinclair’s career. The Brazilians came to spoil them.
Debinha scored with a deflected shot in the 94the minute to give Brazil a 1-0 victory over Canada, in front of a sold-out Saputo stadium.
The result of this meeting was logical. Canada, thanks to the brilliance of its goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, was able to resist the numerous Brazilian assaults. The Reds were also unlucky in losing the services of Jessie Fleming in the 22nde minute.
Fleming is Canada’s ace in midfield. Without her, and despite some good breakthroughs from her replacement Julia Grosso, the Reds lost their cohesion.
The Canadians had a strong start to the match, particularly with Ashley Lawrence and Adriana Leon in the right lane. But it ran out of steam after that.
The brilliance of the legendary Marta and Adriana on the other side particularly gave the Canadian defense a hard time.
Nichelle Prince almost opened the scoring for Canada at the very end of the first half, but she was unable to score from close range on a pass from Adriana Leon from the area. The only real clear opportunity for the Olympic champions in this meeting.
Ovations for Christine Sinclair
“Replacement for Canada”, we hear over the speakers at 66e minute. The crowd looks to the sidelines. Christine Sinclair is about to make her entrance. Instant standing ovation.
Sinclair set foot on the Montreal pitch for the very last time. This fall she is playing the last four matches of her great career.
Even before the first whistle blew, fans were treated to a great Canadian sporting moment: a jersey exchange between the best female hockey player in the world, Marie-Philip Poulin, and the greatest goal scorer in history of men’s and women’s international soccer, Christine Sinclair. The two athletes were warmly applauded at the Saputo stadium.
Then, in tribute to Sinclair and her number 12, the crowd gave her a standing ovation throughout the 12e minute.
And at the final whistle, the Canadian team circled the field, Sinclair in the lead, to the cheers of the crowd.
The Canadians may not have won, but they received a good dose of love from the Montreal public.