U20 Women's World Championships - Canada's Games (R)

[WingerII]

Final score: Canada 2 - Nigeria 3

Yet another competitive game stolen from Canada by atrocious refereeing. Brings back memories of the Canadian men's WC06 qualifying run.

Ah well, this was only the first game of the group stage, and I think Canada still has a good chance of qualifying for the next round.

Did anybody else catch the game? Thoughts?

[squadra_azzurri]

i posted this in the other thread of the girls going to russia .. well i will repost it


A devistating 3-2 loss to nigeria.. Canada had the game in the bag.. Canadas defence was just not running and scored their goals because the keeper isnt the best. Collison should not have been subbed off maybe she was injured or something but she always broke through the nigeria D. we were up 1-0 goal by kyle on a breakaway after beating the goalie 1v1. and then nigeria levels it.. then 71' cicchini scores off a wierd bounce headers the ball up in the air and sinks in beneath the crossbar and in the net. 82 minute uwak scores a bullet from outside the 18 to even it up 2-2, kyle then hits the crossbar as it was floating in but the nigerian keeper touches it hits the bar and catches it on the floor. and extra time uwak scores off a header 3-2.. it seemed like canada just couldnt header the ball near the boxes.. on canadas corners they did not head it ounce, nor did anyone on the field it just bounced in the 18. also canadas #11 on defence didnt do the greatest job on uwak but as u can see uwak was a hard forward to cover.

how i found this on tv was i woke up turned in sportsnet and saw the game lol , its not like i planned it at all.

P.s did anyone see cicchini and riverso? wow they are hot.. atleast we got the best looking team in this tournament:D .. what a coincidince that they are both italian last names;)

[canada striker]

This game was boring for sure after the first 30 mins

[Moaca]

Women’s U-20 Team
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Nigeria Spoils Canada’s World Championship Opener
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2505

Moscow, Russia – In their opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 played on a sunny afternoon in Podmoskovie Stadium in the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, Canada’s Women’s U-20 team was defeated 3-2 by Nigeria on a goal scored by Cynthia Uwak in the dying moments of the back and forth match.

Canada looked good right off the opening whistle when Kaylyn Kyle tapped the ball forward from center field and a Nigerian player misplayed the ball leaving it for Aysha Jamani to collect and work up the field. Jamani’s attack would end just outside the penalty area.

Kyle gave the Canadians the opening goal in the 25th minute after receiving a long cross by Tayrne Boudreau and then made her way towards the Nigerian net. The Nigerian goalkeeper Christy Bulus attempted to stop the midfielder who then side stepped for a clear shot into the net.

Kyle’s goal marked the 200th of the championship since the inaugural event hosted by Canada in 2002.

Nigeria returned four minutes later when Titilayo Mekuleyi passed up to a rushing Tawa Ishola who was able to slip the ball past the Canadian keeper Stephanie Labbe into the far side of the net.

In the 71st minute, Sophie Schmidt sent a free kick from just inside the half to a sprinting Amanda Cicchini inside the penalty area where she headed the ball into the air and over Bulus for the goal.

Two minutes later, the energized Canadians continued to apply pressure on the Nigerian defence as Jamani was able to send a low shot towards the net only for Bulus to easily smother the ball.

Nigeria bounced back and again evened the score in minute 82 when Cynthia Uwak powered a shot from 20 yards out from the net towards the inside the of opposite post where an outstretched Labbe was unable to redirect the shot out of harm.

Uwak eventually scored the winner for Nigeria in injury time on header off of a cross by Eke Maureen.

“This was a wide open tactical game with two fabulous goals by Nigeria late in the game,” said Canadian boss Ian Bridge. “I give Nigeria loads of credit as in the last ten minutes they were a dynamic, exciting team pushing people forward. Not necessarily what you want to see when it’s coming at you.”

“We now have to work hard against Finland and China.”

In the earlier match of the day, China defeated Finland 2-1.

Canada now continues in Group B against Finland on Sunday before meeting China on Wednesday. The top two teams will proceed into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26. Schedule is listed below.

August 17, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Podmoskovie Stadium – Moscow, Russia

Nigeria 2 (1)
Canada 3 (1)

Goals: Canada – Kyle (25), Cicchini (71); Nigeria – Ishola (29), Uwak (82, 90+)
Cautions: Canada – Vanderpool (50)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 88); 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 13-RIVERSO Loredana (7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann, 46); 14-JAMANI Aysha; 15-COLLISON Lisa (17-SLEIMAN Rheanne, 72); 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 2-RADCHUCK Katie; 5-ZURRER Emily; 9-IACCHELLI Selenia; 12-RABER Sari; 18-HINGWING Eden

Nigeria: 12-BULUS Christy; 2-CHIKWELU Rita; 3-SABI Akudo (C); 6-IKIDI Faith; 7-AKPA Gladys; 9-IWUAGWU Akudo; 10-MEKULEYI Titilayo (4-EKE Maureen, 60); 14-ISHOLA Tawa; 16-JEROME Ulumma; 17-AKUSOBI Blessing; 18-UWAK Cynthia

Head Coach: OKONKWO Emmanuel Tetteh
Subs not used: 1-OLUEHI Tochukwu; 21-OKEWOLE Adefunke; 5-OGBIMI Omena; 8-OPARAOCHA Chizoma; 11-GODWIN Stella; 13-CHUKWUDI Ogonna; 15-AKOR Hope; 19-CHUKWUJI Odishika; 20-OGIAGBEHVA Emueje
Referee:

Group B Schedule (times are local)

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / + - / Pts
Nigeria / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3
China PR / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 3
Canada / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / -1 / 0
Finland / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 1 / 2 / -1 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - CAN
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN - NIG
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - NIG
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN

[Moaca]

Canada falls to Nigeria
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/08/17/1761450-cp.html

MOSCOW (CP) - Two superb late strikes cost Canada its opener at the under-20 women's world soccer championships Thursday.

Cynthia Uwak scored twice in the last eight minutes - her second in injury time - to lead Nigeria to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Canada in the opening game for both teams at world women's tournament.

"I think it was two real special goals by Nigeria, the second and the third that were our undoing," said Canadian coach Ian Bridge. "The game is about scoring goals and they scored two great ones there."

Kaylyn Kyle of Saskatoon and Amanda Cicchini of Oakville, Ont., scored for the Canadians, who will be in tough to advance out of the preliminary round after the loss.

"It's disappointing in terms of the result, but I'm not at all disappointed in the way the players played," said Bridge. "I told them at the end of the game that the plan going into the game was to make sure we didn't do anything to lose the game, any sort of mistakes, and I don't think we did."

Nigeria and China sit atop Group B after Day 1, China defeating Finland 2-1 in its opening game Thursday. In Group A action, Australia beat New Zealand 3-0 and Russia and Brazil played to a scoreless draw.

Canada's opener was a see-saw battle between a better-organized Canadian side, and a fast and physical Nigerian squad. Nigeria had the advantage in ball possession with 53 per cent, and outshot the Canadians 14-11.

The 17-year-old Kyle opened scoring in the 25th minute, chesting down a cross from Edmonton's Taryne Boudreau, and then firing into the open net after Nigerian goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi misplayed the ball.

Nigeria tied it up in the 29th when Tawa Ishola sprinted onto a through ball from centre, lofting a shot over the head of 'keeper Stephanie Labbe of Stoney Plain, Alta.

Cicchini scored in the 71st, sending a looping header over Oluehi, who was well out of her net.

Canada looked en route to victory at Podmoskovie Stadium until the 82nd minute, when Uwak unleashed a ferocious shot to the far corner of the net past the outstretched hands of Labbe that tied the game.

Nigeria capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 91st, when an unmarked Maureen Eke crossed the ball from the right corner, finding an equally open Uwak on the far post, who headed in the ball for the victory.

"To Nigeria's credit, they broke so fast on their attack, and again it was a terrific cross, and I was saying, 'please don't go to the far post,' and for sure, there it was," said Bridge. "Tremendous fight by Nigeria, they have some big talent on that team and the goals were terrific. You have to sit back and appreciate the skill."

Canada definitely could have used a win against Nigeria in a tough Group B that includes China, a gold-medal favourite. The top two teams from each group advance.

"We're a little bit disappointed," said Kyle, whose goal was No. 200 in the history of the women's tournament. "But we had a great performance and we take nothing away from Nigeria, they had two great goals. But we're just going to learn from this game and go into the Finland game and improve from this."

The Canadians face Finland on Sunday ( 8 a.m. ET), a team they twice beat in recent friendlies - both by scores of 2-0.

They battle China on Aug. 23 (11 a.m. ET) to complete the group stage in the 16-country tournament. China defeated Canada 2-0 and 1-0 in a pair of friendlies last month in Prince George, B.C.

Canada won silver at the inaugural tournament in 2002 in Edmonton, losing to the U.S. in the gold-medal game at Commonwealth Stadium. The Canadians lost 3-1 to China in the quarter-finals in 2004 in Thailand, after 'keeper Stacey van Boxmeer was sent off in the opening minute.

[Moaca]

I did not see the game and my memory is a little faulty but what happened to Veronique Maranda and the supposed "Next One" Sydney Leroux. Injuries? Why were the experienced Zurrer, Radchuk, Raber and Iacchelli on the bench?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Moaca]

Women rebound at U-20 soccer championship
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/08/20/1766681-cp.html

MOSCOW (CP) - Canada got back on track with a 2-0 win over Finland at the world under-20 women's soccer championship Sunday. But more hard work remains if the Canadians are to advance.

Jodi-Ann Robinson scored twice as the Canadian women evened their record with a comfortable victory over the outmatched Finns, helping erase memories of a painful opening 3-2 loss to Nigeria.

China, which beat Finland 2-1 in its first game, defeated Nigeria 3-0 later Sunday to take command of Group B with six points from a 2-0-0 record. Canada and Nigeria each have three points at 1-1-0.

Canada, however, faces a tougher foe in China in its final first-round game Wednesday, while Nigeria tackles the winless Finns.

The top two teams in each of the four groups move on to the knockout round at the 16-country tournament.

"Definitely we need to win to advance," said Robinson.

China downed Canada in a pair of friendlies - 2-0 and 1-0 - last month in Prince George, B.C.

In Group A play Sunday, Brazil blanked Australia 2-0 and Russia scored in second-half injury time to dispatch New Zealand 3-2.

China did the Canadians a favour by putting three goals past the Nigerians, dropping the African team's goal difference to minus-2. Canada's goal difference is plus-1 while China is plus-4.

In the event of a tie in the standings, the first tiebreaker is goal difference followed by goals scored.

Dominating play from the get-go, the Canadians finally broke through in the 39th minute on a Robinson penalty after Aysha Jamani was brought down near the goal-line after a rampaging run down the left flank. Robinson easily beat Tinja-Riikka Korpela to the Finnish goalkeeper's left.

Robinson made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, pouncing on a long kick from Canadian 'keeper Stephanie Labbe to poke the ball over an onrushing Korpela. Amanda Cicchini could have extended the lead minutes later but shot wide with the goal wide open.

Robinson, who came off the bench to open the second half against Nigeria, gave Finland fits right from the start.

Canada controlled the play from the outset, penning the Finns in their own half. The Canadians were denied by the woodwork three times in the first half, with Robinson hitting the crossbar with a header off a corner and banging the ball off the post with a left-footed shot after she eluded four Finns.

The 17-year-old from Richmond, B.C., then set up Sophie Schmidt whose right-footed shot bounced off the post following a corner.

Looking to reverse the Canadian tide, Finnish coach Jarmo Matikainen made a double substitution after just 35 minutes. It didn't make much of a difference.

The Canadians outshot Finland 14-0 in the first half and had five corners to none for the Finns. Overall, they had a 21-3 edge in shots (9-1 in shots on target).

Finland, playing without striker Lisa Sallstrom, was more competitive in the second half with Essi Sainio blasting a shot wide from all alone in front, with the score 1-0. The Finn was injured minutes later and stretchered off.

The Canadians regained control as the game wore on, peppering the Finnish goal.

Canada reached the final of the inaugural tournament in 2002, losing 1-0 to the U.S. on an overtime goal. In Thailand in 2004, the Canadians were ousted in the quarter-finals by eventual winner China

Finland, beaten twice by Canada in pre-tournament friendlies, is making its debut at the women's world championship level.

[Moaca]

Women’s U-20 Team
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Robinson Scores Twice As Canada Downs Finland 2:0 at FIFA World Championships
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2509

Moscow, Russia – Jodi-Ann Robinson scored two unanswered goals today leading Canada’s U-20 Women’s Team to a 2-0 victory over Finland at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Moscow Russia.

After a 3:2 loss to Nigeria on Thursday, Canada shut down today’s opponents and earned some much needed points in this second match. The top two teams of the group will continue into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26.

Robinson had her first opportunity hit the crossbar when she headed a Loredana Riverso corner. Just over ten minutes later, Robinson walked into the penalty area, beat three defenders, and then stepped left to send a left-footer which hit the left post.

Later, Captain Sophie Schmidt had a shot from the top of the box deflected out of play by a diving Finnish goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

For the next few minutes Canada continued with multiple opportunities but it wasn’t until being awarded a penalty kick for Niina Hyvinen’s trip on Aysha Jamani in the box that Robinson would then score the eventual game winner on the ensuing penalty in the 39th minute.

At the half, Canada led 1-0 with eight unanswered shots on goal.

In the second half, the story remained much the same with the Canadians continuing to apply pressure and create multiple opportunities.

Finland had their first chance in the half on a free kick taken from the sideline which sailed across the Canadian goal, but two rushing Finnish players could not get to the ball.

In the 60th minute, Finland’s unmarked Taru Laihanen sent a left footer blast over the cross bar. In the same minute, Jamani herself would also sail a shot over the net.

Robinson scored her second in the 70th minute with a chip over Korpela into the back of the net after chasing down a long ball by Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe. Robinson now has 13th career goals for the U-20 side.

With the 2-0 score at the final whistle, Labbe earned her third career shutout.

Robinson was named Player of the Match by the FIFA Technical Study Group for her efforts.

“This is a game we had to win and we took care of that,” said head coach Ian Bridge.

“We created a big number of goal chances, and it would have been good for the teams’ confidence to have scored on more of them, but the goal was to win so that we could keep our chances of continuing into the knockout stage.”

“There are many permutations as to how things will work, but we kept our chances alive today.”

In the other group match, China defeated Nigeria 3-0.

Canada will close Group B play against China while Nigeria will play Finland on Wednesday.

August 20, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Podmoskovie Stadium – Moscow, Russia
Attendance: 1,200

Finland 0 (0)
Canada 2 (1)
Goals: Canada – Robinson (39 PK, 70)
Cautions: Canada-Kyle (56); Finland-Sainio (36)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C) (9-IACCHELLI Selenia, 77); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 61); 7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann (15-COLLISON Lisa, 82); 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 13-RIVERSO Loredana; 14-JAMANI Aysha; 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 2-RADCHUCK Katie; 5-ZURRER Emily; 12-RABER Sari; 17-SLEIMAN Rheanne; 18-HINGWING Eden

Finland: 1-KORPELA Tinja-Riikka; 2-SAARI Maija; 3-HYYRYNEN Tuija; 4-HYVONEN Niina; 5-HOVI Hanna; 6-BERG Neea; 7-SAINIO Essi (14-TIILIKAINEN Heini, 65); 9-LAIHANEN Taru (17-KIVELA Heidi, 34); 10-PORKKA Tytti (16-WESTERLUND Anna, 34); 11-HOKKANEN Susanna; 13-PURANEN Leena

Head coach: MATIKANIEN Jarmo
Subs not used: 8-HARKONEN Eeva; 12-KAARESVIRTA Marjaana; 15-VUORELA Kaisa; 18-SALLSTROM Linda; 19-SUOSALO Sonja; 20-TIKKANEN Tiia; 21-HAIKKA Tinja

Referee: AVDONCHENKO Natalia (RUS), Asst. Ref. 1: VILLA GUTIERREZ Maria Luisa (ESP), Asst. Ref. 2: LAGRANGE Corinne (FRA), 4th Official: BROHET Claudine (BEL)

Group B Schedule (times are local)

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / +- / Pts
China PR / 2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 1 / 4 / 6
Canada/ 2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 4 / 3 / 1 / 3
Nigeria 2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 3 / 5 / -2 / 3
Finland 2 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 1 / 4 / -3 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – CAN / 0:2 (0:1)
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – NIG / 3:0 (2:0)
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - NIG / n/a
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN / n/a

Rogers Sportsnet
Rogers Sportsnet will be broadcasting all the Canadian games and the final live on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet Ontario. Please visit www.sportsnet.ca for the complete soccer schedule.

China vs. Canada - 23 Aug 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - TD-1:00 pm MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - TD-12:00 pm PT

Quarterfinal (if Canada advances) - 26 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) – TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) – TBD

Semifinal (if Canada advances) - 31 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) - TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) - TBD

Consolation Match (if Canada advances) - 03 Sep 06 @ 8:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 6:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 5:00 am PT

Final - 03 Sep 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 9:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 8:00 am PT

RSN = Rogers Sportsnet
TD = Tape delay

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship

Canada, who was host of the inaugural U-19 tournament held in Canada in 2002 placed second to the United States in the final played in Edmonton, Alberta. Two years later in Thailand, the team lost their quarterfinal 3-1 to China who would eventually take second to Germany in the final.

Following Thailand, the tournament changed into an Under-20 tournament and increased the scope of the participants from 12 to the current 16 team format.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006, please visit FIFA.com.

[Moaca]

Canada faces must-win game against China at women's under-20 soccer

Neil Davidson Canadian Press
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=61ce4cec-c4d3-42d8-8264-74cd05a94ea9&k=61388

(CP) - Canada faces a must-win game Wednesday against powerful China at the women's world under-20 soccer championships in Moscow (11 a.m. ET). It didn't have to be that way, however.

Had the Canadians held on to beat Nigeria in their opener, Wednesday's Group B contest could have been academic. Instead they gave up goals in the 82nd and 91st minutes to lose 3-2.

Now Canada (1-1-0) needs a win over the Chinese (2-0-0) to have any hope of moving on.

"We were just talking about that, how different things could be with those last 15 minutes against Nigeria," Canadian coach Ian Bridge said from his Moscow hotel. "But there's no use in wasting energy worrying about that. We need to prepare for the job we have."

The Chinese have all but assured themselves of advancing, with one of Canada and Nigeria likely joining them in the quarter-finals. Both the Canadians and Nigerians have three points from 1-1-0 records. But Nigeria has an easier foe Wednesday in Finland (0-2-0).

The top two teams in the group advance. The first tiebreaker is goal difference, with Canada currently at plus-one and Nigeria at minus-two.

"It's a game where we'll leave nothing on the field," Bridge said. "The players know the consequences, the magnitude of the game. But these are the games you have to win if you want to advance at the world championship."

Essentially Canada needs to beat China and hope that the Africans do not go on a scoring spree in downing the Finns, who have yielded four goals and 19 shots on target in their two games to date.

Canada could beat China and still not advance, if Nigeria wins and pads its goal difference.

If Canada and Nigeria both tie their respective games, the Canadians will advance. If the Nigerians win or tie and the Canadians lose, the jig is up for Bridge's team.

If that happens, it will mark Canada's earliest ever exit at the competition. The Canadian women were runners-up in 2002 in Edmonton and made the quarter-finals in Thailand two years later before losing 3-1 to the Chinese in a game that saw Canadian 'keeper Stacey Van Boxmeer ejected in the first minute.

Canada lost a pair of friendlies to China, 2-0 and 1-0, prior to the tournament.

Bridge expects a tactical game against the savvy Chinese, who went up 2-0 against Nigeria on Sunday and then soaked up pressure until they scored on a counter-attack to put the game out of reach.

China's Ma Xiaoxu scored the last two goals to up her total to three, tying for the tournament lead. A Canadian midfielder or defender will always be in close proximity to the Chinese star.

"Controlling her will be a big challenge," said Bridge.

Canada will look to 17-year-old Jodi-Ann Robinson of Richmond, B.C., who scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Finland.

"I've told my players already that it's a game where we will have to play almost a perfect tactical game, disciplined and structured to contain them and then to take our chances when they arrive," Bridge said.

Prior to the tournament, Bridge had warned how competitive it would be.

"Even Finland, who possibly will finish bottom of our group, they for me are as strong as maybe six or seven other teams in this tournament. ... It's a much more balanced tournament now, more competitive, more teams that could go all the way."

[canadatoworldcup]

canada is playing like crap in this game, absolutely no possesion game, they are playing kick and run. my four year old nephew has a better first touch than the girls do in this game. when they do pass it just seems like they are trying to get rid of the ball or pass the ball out of bounds. every shot seems to be from 30 to 40 yards with absolutely no power on the shot.

they arent playing well and dont deserve to move on from my viewpoint. i dont know what has to be done. jumani didnt even play until the second half, she should have been there since the start of the game.

[squadra_azzurri]

canada needs 2 goals.... were out

[Moaca]

Women’s U-20 Team
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
China Win Eliminates Canada From The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2515

Moscow, Russia – Canada’s Women’s Under-20 Team were defeated 1:0 tonight by powerhouse China in Torpedo Stadium in Moscow, Russia, sending them home from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 earlier than expected.

The second loss for the Canadians in group B left them without the necessary points to continue through as in the other match played simultaneously at Podmoskovie Stadium, Nigeria defeated Finland 8:0 earning them a total of six points and second place in the group to join China into the next round. Only the top two teams of each group could advance.

China had the first opportunity in the seventh minute as Xiaoxu Lou broke thought the centre defence and for a one on one opportunity against Canadian keeper Stephanie Labbe who coolly stopped the attack.

With the play working to both sides in the first half, Canada did create a few opportunities on their opponents net. Most notably with a low shot taken by Jodi-Ann Robinson from just outside the penalty area which was easily handled by the Chinese keeper Yanru Zhang.

Canada, looking for the win was unable to break though the strong Chinese defence and the score remained at nil at the end of the half.

Head coach Ian Bridge substituted in Aysha Jamani for Lisa Collison at the half, hoping to find the advantage the team desperately needed to get the Canadians the important win.

Unfortunate for Canada, in the 48th minute China’s Captain Xiaoxu Ma received a long ball and found a way past Canada’s last line of defence, then took a shot past an oncoming Labbe to score the eventual game winner.

Canada struggled to gather an attack for the remainder of the half, but looked promising a few minutes later on a long free kick taken by team captain Sophie Schmidt. Selenia Iacchelli was able to out jump her defender for a soft header that floated just high over the crossbar and onto the top of the net.

Midway through the second half, Robinson who had found a few ways up the field also looked for the equalizer with a 30 yard shot wide of the net. Then substitute Paige Adams also tried to make the difference a minute later with a 20 yard left footer which was stopped by Zhang.

The rest of the half continued with the Canadians looking to find a way to equalize but with no reward, eventually they ran out of time.

“I thought it was a very exciting, high level game of soccer tonight,” said Bridge. “I’m extremely proud of my team as they followed the game plan very well against a skilled China team who we knew could play through us if we were not organized.”

“I thought we had good defensive shape and a great game plan to counter fast.”

“Full credit to China’s defence as it is one of the best in the tournament, and I would think they will go a long way.”

“We are disappointed of going home early, as we had aspirations to advance further, but it was not to be.”

August 23, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Torpedo Stadium – Moscow, Russia
Attendance: 100

China 1 (0)
Canada 0 (0)

Goals: China-Xiaoxu (48)
Cautions: Canada-ADAMS (60); China-YUE (10), ZHOU (52)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 2-RADCHUCK Katie (13-RIVERSO Loredana, 73); 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 56); 7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann; 9-IACCHELLI Selenia; 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 15-COLLISON Lisa (14-JAMANI Aysha, 46); 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 5-ZURRER Emily; 12-RABER Sari; 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 17-SLEIMAN Rheanne; 18-HINGWING Eden; China:

China: 1-ZHANG Yanru; 2-ZHOU Gaoping; 3-YUAN Fan; 4-ZHANG Wei ; 9-RAO Hui Fang; 10-MA Xiaoxu (C) (19-ZI Jingjing, 80); 11-LOU Xiaoxu (8-YOU Jia, 61); 12-ZHU Wei (7-XI Dingying, 61); 15-YUE Min; 16-ZHANG Wei Shuang; 20-LIU Xiaoyan

Head coach: SHANG Ruihua
Subs not used: 18-WENG Xiaojie; 21-XU Meishuang; 5-WENG Xinzhi; 6-HOU Lijia; 13-ZHUANG Ran; 14-WANG Dongni; 17-MA Zixiang

Referee: BROHET Claudine (BEL); Asst. Ref. 1: BORG Susanne (SWE); Asst. Ref. 2: NADOLSKA Katarzyna (POL); 4th Official: PALMQVIST Jenny; SWE);

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / +- / Pts
China PR / 3 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 6 / 1 / 5 / 9
Nigeria / 3 / 2 / 0 / 1 / 11 / 5 / 6 / 6
Canada / 3 / 1 / 0 / 2 / 4 / 4 / 0 / 3
Finland / 3 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 1 / 12 / -11 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – CAN / 0:2 (0:1)
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – NIG / 3:0 (2:0)
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – NIG / 0:8 (0:4)
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN / 0:1 (0:0)

Rogers Sportsnet
Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the final live on September 3rd. Please visit www.sportsnet.ca for the complete soccer schedule.

Final - 03 Sep 06 @ 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet West (MT) - 9:00 am MT
Rogers Sportsnet Pacific (PT) - 8:00 am PT

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship

Canada, who was host of the inaugural U-19 tournament held in Canada in 2002 placed second to the United States in the final played in Edmonton, Alberta. Two years later in Thailand, the team lost their quarterfinal 3-1 to China who would eventually take second to Germany in the final.

Following Thailand, the tournament changed into an Under-20 tournament and increased the scope of the participants from 12 to the current 16 team format.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006, please visit FIFA.com.