Sitting atop the Group A standings on 4 points, missing out on a chance to lock up qualification in a 0-0 draw against New Zealand, the Canadian women and coach John Herdman finish off group play in Montreal, Quebec and Olympic Stadium against formidable debutants in the Netherlands.
Herdman made four changes to the team he put out on Thursday evening, defender Lauren Sesselmann, midfielder Desiree Scott and forwards Jonelle Filigno and Melissa Tancredi making way for a mixture of experience and youthful energy. Carmelina Moscato picked to partner Kadeisha Buchanan in central defence, Kaylyn Kyle replacing Scott in midfield and youngsters Jessie Fleming and Adrianna Leon lining up in attack with captain Christine Sinclair.
Netherlands are coming off a 1-0 loss to China PR, but boast a young and hungry side seeking to make an impression. Coach Roger Reijnners has been leaning on the attacking instincts of midfielder Lieke Martens and forward Vivianne Miedema, Martens from Swedish club Göteborg FC scored the first and only goal for the Dutch while Miedema comes in with a big pedigree playing for German club Bayern Munich at only 18-years-oldh.
The Opening 45
The match began fairly even in the opening minutes, both teams enjoying space and taking advantage of gaps. Canada seemed much more comfortable adjusting to the Dutch style of play, looking confident and calm compared to playing against an organized China PR and aggressive New Zealand.
The Oranje were able to expose Canada’s back line with through balls into space, particularly on the left wing onto the feet of Martens and forward Daniëlle van de Donk. Canada’s first dangerous chance of the match fell to Sophie Schmidt in the 7th minute, a loose pass from a Dutch defender getting picked off by Sinclair and ultimately led to a Schmidt header going off the crossbar.
The chance spurring them on, Canada would find the back of the net three minutes later through midfielder Ashley Lawrence. Stemming from a throw in, Lawrence was able to latch onto a deflected shot from Schmidt to give Canada a 1-0 lead.
Conceding the goal seemed to light a fire under the Netherlands attackers, looking inspired going forward and getting crosses into the box. Their best chance of the half dropped right into the lap of van de Donk, a cross getting by Buchanan but the 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven striker failed to control the pass.
Going into the break Canada were able to bully the Dutch at times, its attacking unit of Miedema, Martens and van de Donk visibly frustrated with either the referees perceived lack of controlling the game or their failure to capitalize on positive momentum.
The Second Half
The game opened up right from the restart, end-to-end play from both teams giving the keepers something to think about. Canada’s high pressure and quick strike attacks leading to some chances on Loes Geurts goal, but the Dutch to their credit used its more patient passing game and effectiveness out wide to test Erin McLeod.
The Canadian attack started to involve 17-year-old Jessie Fleming more and more, the London, Ontario native showing no fear in pressing the action, getting shots on goal and taking tough tackles. The Dutch backline was by far the busier of the two defensive units, finding difficulty in dealing with off ball runs and Canada’s energy forcing them into quick recovery.
However their attack was never truly discouraged and were mounting some attacks throughout the half. Their failure to convert chances changed in the 88 minute, a Dutch counter attack leading to a goal for winger Kirsten van de Ven to tie the game 1-1.
While the Canadians achieved their primary objective of finishing top of Group A, and were able to receive some good performances from young players like Buchanan, Lawrence and Fleming, there are still one or two concerns that will need to be addressed before its match in the Round of 16.
Player of the Match
Kadeisha Buchanan
Outside of one ball that got past her in the first half, Buchanan was a handful for the Dutch attacking trio of Miedema, Martens and van de Donk. Her positioning along the backline and growing soccer IQ was put on display, tracking runs of the attackers, timing her tackles really well, covering for fullbacks that were beaten and generally making her presence felt in a match. Even with the team conceding a late equalizer, she passed another test with flying colours and has taken another step further in becoming Canada’s leader at the back.
CanWNT Line-up
1 Erin McLeod
9 Josée Bélanger
3 Kadeisha Buchanan
4 Carmelina Moscato
15 Allysha Chapman
6 Kaylyn Kyle
22 Ashley Lawrence
13 Sophie Schmidt
17 Jessie Fleming
19 Adrianna Leon
12 Christine Sinclair (C)
Substitutions: Melissa Tancredi on for Kaylyn Kyle (61’); Desiree Scott on for Jessie Fleming (61’); Rhian Wilkinson on for Sophie Schmidt (81’).
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