Canada wins to set up Olympic soccer qualifier
Last Updated: Sunday, April 6, 2008 | 5:59 PM ET
CBC Sports
The Canadian women's soccer team scored in each half to defeat Costa Rica 2-0 Sunday at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in Juarez, Mexico.
Melissa Tancredi opened the scoring for Canada, while Christine Sinclair added her 87th goal in international play in the second half to seal the win.
Melissa Tancredi, left, and Christine Sinclair, both seen in a 2007 game, were the goal scorers Sunday.
(Lee Jin-Man/Associated Press)
Canada, which won Group B, will play Wednesday night at 9:30 in a semifinal against Mexico. A win by the Canadian team in the semifinal would mean a guaranteed spot in the tournament at the Beijing Olympics in August.
Four years ago, Canada was denied an Olympic berth in a 2-1 semifinal loss to Mexico.
While Canada wasn't overpowering against Costa Rica, it allowed opponents few good scoring chances.Tancredi opened the scoring for the second straight game, in the 14th minute. The goal was set up by Robyn Gayle's throw-in, with Randee Hermus heading the ball in the box over to Tancredi, who found the back of the net.
Candace Champman sent Hermus in alone at the 55th minute, but Costa Rican keeper Priscilla Natalia Tapia made a big save.
Soon after, however, Chapman again instigated with a cross, which Sinclair tapped in for the 2-0 lead in the 72nd minute.
Erin McLeod was rarely tested, but made the save when she needed off a soft shot in the 76th minute from Amara Wilson.
'Play affected the game': coach
Coach Even Pellerud wasn't in a charitable mood when describing his team's performance.
"The players did not perform to their ability," said Pellerud. "They played very careless and apprehensive.
"Their play really affected the game."
Pellerud kept Kara Lang and Jodi-Ann Robinson on the bench until the late going.
Amy Walsh incurred a yellow card for a challenge on a debatable call in the second. Her fellow midfielder, Diana Matheson, meanwhile, marked her 24th birthday on Sunday.
Canada opened the tournament with a 6-0 rout over Trinidad and Tobago.
The United States defeated the host nation 3-1 on Sunday to take Group A. The Americans will face Costa Rica in the other semifinal.
Natasha Kai opened the scoring and then added a pivotal goal just before half time.
Lupita Worbis scored in the 33rd minute to tie the score 1-1 but Abby Wamach, who also drew a yellow card on the day, gave the U.S. the lead for good just two minutes later.
