Canadian women’s soccer team collects three points in Cyprus

Emily Zurrer’s header in the second half was the difference in Canada’s 1:0 victory over Scotland on the opening day of the 2011 Cyprus Women’s Cup. Getting into position and then using her height, Zurrer headed home a Diana Matheson corner kick to give Canada the only goal it needed for a perfect three points in the Wednesday 2 March victory. The match was played at Ammochostos Stadium in Larnaka, Cyprus.

"We didn’t find (enough) space in the first half, but we created more pressure in the second half," said Canadian national head coach Carolina Morace. "It was important to win, so we got the three points."

The match could have turned out much differently had midfielder Matheson struck the net instead of the post early in the first half. Matheson struck from distance and hit the right post, an early scare that could have turned Scotland inside out.

Instead, Scotland "defended well and was very well organised" as the score was kept even throughout the first half. Canada created few chances and did little with the corner kicks it won. Scotland even won its fair share of corner kicks and had a good crack on net courtesy Kim Little.

Canada’s goalkeeper Erin McLeod recorded the clean sheet. She was not only called to make the save on Little, but a handful of other shots by the Scottish side throughout the match. McLeod also had the help of her defenders, especially on one particular chance when a high bouncing ball went over her reach inside the goal area. Even though the ball eluded McLeod, it did not elude the Canadian defence and the Canadian lead remained intact.

After an even first half, Canada clearly out chanced Scotland in the second half. Shortly before the Zurrer goal, Canada did manage to knock the ball in the net after, but it happened after the referee had called for a Canada foul. Even the stadium announcer called for the goal and a 1-0 Canadian lead, but he quickly called it back after he realized Scotland had been awarded a free kick.

Zurrer’s winning goal came in the 70th minute of the match. Canada won seven of eight corner kicks in the second half.

Canada’s starting XI featured Erin McLeod in goal, Marie-Eve Nault at left back, Emily Zurrer and Candace Chapman at centre back, Rhian Wilkinson at right back, and Kaylyn Kyle, Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt, Melissa Tancredi Jonelle Filigno, and Christine Sinclair from the midfield up through to the attack.

Canada made six substitutions in the second half, switching out Kyle, Schmidt, Tancredi, Filigno, Nault and Wilkinson for Desiree Scott (57th minute), Carmelina Moscato (74′), Jodi-Ann Robinson (74′), Christina Julien (78′), Melanie Booth (83′) and Robyn Gayle (84′).

Scotland’s starting XI featured Gemma Fay in goal, Jennifer Beattie, Ifeoma Dieke, Rachel Corsie and Emma Fernon at defence, Leanne Ross, Joanne Love, Kim Little and Megan Sneddon at midfield, and Jane Ross, Rachel Corsie and Hayley Lauder up front. Scotland then made three substitutions in the second half, replacing Leanne Ross, Jane Ross and Love with Christie Murray, Frankie Brown and Rhonda Jones.