Lights out for Canada at FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011

Canada’s participation at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 has ended following an 0:1 loss to African champion Nigeria. Canada conceded the lone goal of the match just moments after play resumed following a 10-minute lights failure delay at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion in Dresden, Germany. The 5 July defeat was Canada’s third-straight loss of the tournament.

In the group phase, Canada also lost to European champion Germany (1:2 on 25 June) as well as France (0:4 on 30 June). Both Canada and Nigeria were eliminated after the matches on 30 June. Germany finished first in the group following its third-straight victory on 5 July, a 4:2 win over France who lost for just the second time in the last 21 months.

"This is part of the game," said Canadian national head coach Carolina Morace. "You have to be able to win and you have to be able to lose in football."

Canada will return home on Wednesday 6 July, with numerous players returning to their club teams. The Canadian team will regroup in September to begin preparations for the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Quaification Tournament and the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

"The improvement this team has shown these past two years has made me proud," said Morace.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, has posted 10 wins, one draw and five losses in 2011. The team hopes to play its next match in September, but has yet to confirm an opponent.