MONTREAL—Mission accomplished for Canada, just barely.
The Canadian women finished atop Group A—their first objective at the FIFA Women’s World Cup—after a 1–1 draw with Netherlands on Monday in front of a boisterous crowd of 45,420 at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
And fortunately for Canada, China didn’t beat New Zealand in a match played at the same time in Winnipeg. With a 2–2 draw, the Chinese finished second and also qualified for the Round of 16.
Canada was expected to win the group, which could be considered the second most difficult based on the average ranking of the teams in it. But the benefits of winning it are immense—an easier road to the semifinals, additional rest days, and, depending on how far the Canadian women go, getting most of those matches at the familiar confines of B.C. Place in Vancouver.
While Canada’s sitting pretty now, the squad hasn’t looked completely convincing. The team has played well for parts of games, but needs to reach a higher level to take advantage of its favourable circumstances.
Positive Start
Head coach John Herdman made big changes to his starting lineup with the introductions of Carmelina Moscato in place of Lauren Sesselmann in central defense, Kaylyn Kyle and Jessie Fleming in midfield in place of Desiree Scott and Jonelle Filigno, and Adriana Leon in attack replacing Melissa Tancredi.
The formula looked good in the early stages of the first half as Canada put Netherlands on its heels. Ashley Lawrence, 20, took over the left flank.
