By Rose Rago,
Canada’s hopes of advancing to the final eight of the FIFA women's U-20s was renewed after a marvelous three goal second half performance against Finland on Friday.
In their first two matches the Canadians struggled to capitalize on the opportunities they created. They were unable to garner momentum to show top form for an entire 90 minutes. This forced the team to play desperation soccer in the latter half of their games.
Fortunately Canada staved off elimination with their best performance of the tournament thus far. They rallied from a two goal deficit at halftime against the Finnish side to win 3-2.
However, Canada faces their toughest opponent in the Group A finale vs Korea DPR Tuesday evening. Head coach Andrew Olivieri knows they cannot afford to make any mistakes against this squad. “We have to make sure we’re careful and that there are not too many lapses.”
Since the inaugural FIFA youth women's (then u19) tournament in 2002, the power nations of the USA and Germany have been crowned champions. These two teams share five trophies between them. However Korea DRP broke the cycle in 2006 when they won in Russia.
The Korean side has always remained a threat in the tournament. Only the USA prevented them from victory in the final in 2008 and the quarter finals in 2010. While the Germans ended their hopes of advancing to the 2012 semi finals. It is paramount for the Canadians to play a complete game as it would be incredibly difficult to claw back from behind against the very well organized and disciplined Koreans.
Another key to Canada’s game will be slowing down striker Ri Un Sim. She set up both goals in a 2-1 win over Finland and scored twice when they defeated Ghana 3-0.
Canada aim for a decisive victory to ensure a place in the quarter finals. A loss or draw could see them through but that would require help in the form of a huge Finland win against Ghana in Moncton. The fate of Group A, as well as the rest of the groups, remains in the balance. The final round of group play has arrived without a single team guaranteed a spot or officially eliminated.
Canada moves from the National Soccer Stadium in Toronto to the artificial Turf of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The “Big O” can house up to 55,000 spectators. Coach Olivier hopes the home crowd can continue to benefit his team. “You saw the impact the crowd had in Toronto in the second half [against Finland]. That was great for us. We hope to have the same in Montreal.”
Coach Olivieri knows the impact advancing in the tournament has on women’s soccer in Canada. “We’re hoping to take that next step and get into a quarter final and beyond the quarter finals. That would be very important for us as a program in terms of the progress we’re trying to establish.”
Before the Canada Korea DPR tilt, Germany, the leaders of Group B, face a winless Brazilian side. Should Canada finish second they could battle the Germans in the quarter finals on August 16.