The Canadians narrowly secured their survival, securing a hard-fought victory with a goal in stoppage time to win 2-1.
It was Quebec’s Vanessa Gilles who played the heroine at the end of the match, scoring the winning goal. Canada benefited from a long 13-minute stoppage sequence to score.
Les Bleues monopolized possession throughout the match, at 64%. However, both teams obtained twelve shots.
At 42e minute, the French upset the Canadian defense with a dizzying passing game. This construction allowed Marie-Antoinette Katoto to position herself advantageously in the penalty area. The attacker dribbled between three enemy players before beating goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
PHOTO ARNAUD FINISTRE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Jessie Fleming celebrates with teammates after scoring the equalizer
It was captain Jessie Fleming who scored Canada’s only goal in the 58th minute.e minute. Full-back Ashley Lawrence went for a cross that the French goalkeeper was unable to neutralize. In the tumult, Fleming was left alone, in front of a gaping goal. Leveling the score was then a formality.
Evelyne Viens only made her entrance in 67e minute, replacing Quinn. The team never called on Cloé Lacasse in the match.
The Canadians won their first match against the New Zealanders by a score of 2-1.
In the wake of the drone spying scandal, FIFA has removed six points from Canada’s standings. The team would have to win all of its matches to advance from Group A. So far, it has won both of its matches. All that remains is to beat the Colombians, who it will face on Wednesday.
There is, however, a scenario in which the Canadians would be eliminated, even if they won all three games. For it to happen, the New Zealanders would have to beat France by at least six goals.