England came from a goal behind to beat Canada 3-1 in the Cyprus Cup final. It’s a fantastic result for the Three Lions and is sure to boost their confidence ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Finland.
England began the match in dominant fashion putting Canada under sustained pressure for the first 10 minutes. However it was Canada that opened the scoring following a mix up at the back from a ball over the top from the Canadians which resulted in Christine Sinclair lobbing Rachel Brown from the edge of the box.
Canada then spent a period of time on top, dominating possession with England seemingly slightly shell-shocked from conceding. Slowly though, England began to find their rhythm again, with some semblance of control and the ball being stroked around making the Canadians chase.
A fine move was finished off by Lianne Sanderson in the 32nd minute, with the build up containing no less than 10 passes before arriving at Casey Stoney to send across an inch perfect cross for Sanderson to nod home.
It was now the Canadians turn to be on the end of some dominant English play, but England were in no mood to relinquish their stranglehold, with another slick move ending with the ball at the feet of Kelly Smith 20 yards from goal. After a quiet 40 minutes, the ball was dispatched into the bottom left corner.
England were awarded a free kick on 46 minutes (1st half injury time) and a crackerjack from Fara Williams hit the top of the net without the Canadian keeper LeBlanc even moving, rounding off an excellent finish to the first half and consequently the game.
England dominated the second half for possession. Kelly Smith and Fara Williams had numerous attempts from range forcing Le Blanc into some instinctive saves with Chapman also going close with a header and volley from close range. Canada did not threaten the England goal in the second half.
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magzine
