Team Canada has qualified for the knockout round of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. On Saturday from Grenoble, France, Canada improved to a record of two wins and zero losses following a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
The Canadian goal scorers were Jessie Fleming of London, Ontario and Nichelle Prince of Ajax, Ontario. Fleming notched a goal in the 48th minute from Prince and then in the 79th minute, Prince scored on the rebound after Canadian superstar Christine Sinclair hit the post. Prince almost scored another goal in the second half, but New Zealand goaltender Erin Nayler made an outstanding save where she leaped in the air and stopped the ball with her hand. Some are saying it is the best save of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup to date.
Meanwhile, Canadian defender Jayde Riviere of Markham, Ontario is receiving high praise for her exceptional defending and soccer sense. At only 18 years of age, Riviere is Canada’s youngest player on the team, but is showing maturity well beyond her years.
Canada is now tied for first place in Group E with the Netherlands. Technically however Canada is in second place despite not yet giving up a goal. Canada and the Netherlands both have records of two wins and zero losses, and the same goals for and against ratio of +3. Where the Netherlands has an edge is in goals (four), where Canada only has three. Canada plays Netherlands for first place on Thursday. Canada needs a victory to clinch first spot.
