Sinclair leads Canada past Japan

March 7, 2008

CSA & Whitecaps FC

Canada women’s national team defeated Japan 3-0 to win their second straight game at the Cyprus Cup.

Vancouver Whitecaps striker Christine Sinclair scored her eighth career hat-trick in the victory in Larnaca, Cyprus. She now has 85 goals in her international career to this stage, with the experienced striker being substituted late in the game by youngster Alexandra Marton, who made her senior international debut against the East Asian champions on Friday. Canada’s starting XI also included Whitecaps defender Randee Hermus making her 99th appearances for her country, while Rhian Wilkinson made her 50th international appearance.

Canada dominated proceedings from the outset, with Pellerud’s side creating their first goalscoring opportunity after just five minutes when Diana Matheson struck the Japanese crossbar. Seven minutes later, Wilkinson was put through clear on goal, but Japan goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto was equal to the task to keep the game scoreless.

The Canadians finally made the breakthrough on 22 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after a Japanese defender handled the ball in the box, as she was trying to prevent a Canadian goal. Sinclair took the responsibility and made no mistake with her spot kick.

Canada continued to attack in the first half, with Whitecaps striker Kara Lang creating a good opportunity on 31 minutes before Sinclair struck her second goal of the contest three minutes before halftime, as the Burnaby, BC, native converted home a Wilkinson cross.

Despite being two goals down, Japan were brighter after the halftime break, but Canada remained dangerous in attack. Second half substitute Jonelle Filigno had decent chance for the Canadians before Sinclair wrapped up victory with her third goal of the game in the 80th minute after taking a pass from Matheson.

Pellerud was delighted with the way his side performed in Friday’s win on the Mediterranean island. "I have rarely seen the team come out more focused than in this match," Pellerud told CanadaSoccer.com. "The game plan was very well executed. The team had excellent leadership from Sinclair, Martina Franko, Candace Chapman and Diana Matheson. Sinclair was unstoppable up front and the Japanese defence could do very little to limit the conceded goals. This Japanese team came into the Cyprus Cup after winning the East Asia Championship and they challenged our team with smooth movements and clever passing. Our back four played with consistent shape and kept the Japan attack to the flanks. The most dangerous threats came from free kicks, which the precise Japanese services challenged us all afternoon."

Canada has one more Cyprus Cup match against an opponent yet to be named on March 12. Before their final contest in the tournament, Canada will play an international friendly against Scotland on Monday. "The Scotland game will serve us the outstanding opportunity to test out other well-rested players on our roster,” Pellerud said.

Canada will then complete their European trip with another international friendly against France in the Paris suburb of Meaux on March 14.

The squad is preparing for the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualification tournament in Mexico early next month. Canada needs to finish as one of the top two teams in the six-nation tournament in order to win a berth to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, China, later this year.

In Mexico, Canada is hoping to draw inspiration from letters and photos featuring the 'We Believe' theme. Canadian fans and clubs (from all walks of sport and life) are encouraged to send their support to the team via mail (Women’s national team, 580-375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5C6), fax (778.330.1396) or email (believe@soccercan.ca). Clubs are especially encouraged to mail signed team photos or short video messages.

Canada line-up v Japan – Cyprus Cup (Whitecaps players in bold)
18-Erin McLeod; 11-Randee Hermus, 10-Martina Franko, 9-Candace Chapman (13-Amy Walsh 89’), 5-Robyn Gayle (19-Jonelle Filigno 46’); 4-Clare Rustad (3-Melanie Booth 68’), 8-Diana Matheson, 6-Sophie Schmidt (17-Alexandra Marton 81’), 7-Rhian Wilkinson (2-Kristina Kiss 83’); 15-Kara Lang (21-Jodi-Ann Robinson 68’), 12-Christine Sinclair


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