Today saw Canada's Women's team play against Brazil in the final of the 4 team Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo in Brazil. Despite coming off a long unbeaten streak, without conceding any goals in 8 games over this tournament and the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament which they won in November, Canada were definitely underdogs against the 3rd ranked team in the world. They'd played earlier in the tournament, with Canada being outplayed but earning a 0-0 draw, but results in the other games, against the Netherlands and Mexico meant Canada topped the group, so only needed a draw to clinch the trophy.
A goal from Josée Bélanger gave Canada the lead just before half time, before Brazilian superstar Marta equalised. A very harsh handball decision gave Brazil a penalty, as well as seeing Marie-Eve Nault sent off, by no means the only refereeing decision that went against Canada, and Marta scored again to give Brazil the 2-1 lead. Down to 10 players and 2-1 down against Brazil in Brazil, with less than 20 minutes left, things were looking bleak, but enter Captain, and recently crowned Canadian player of the year, Christine Sinclair, who scored a fantastic goal, curling the ball from outside the box into the far top corner of the goal.
Canada's 10 women survived a nervy finish to clinch the tie and the trophy, their third of a remarkably successful year, that gives real hope leading up to next year's World Cup in Germany. Extended game highlights are available here, Sinclair's goal is at 6:50, or on it's won and from a better angle here and the Canadian medals/trophy celebrations start at about 12:00 in.
Congratulations to all of the players, and head Coach Carolina Morace, who has really turned the team around since taking over in Febuary 2009.
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