Canada beat Panama 1-0 to secure 2023 World Cup spot

July 8 – Olympic champions Canada secured their place in the semi-finals of the Concacaf W Championship, guaranteeing them a spot at the 2023 World Cup, with a 1-0 win over Panama.

It was a 1-0 beating to be honest, and it will be troubling for head coach Bev Priestman and his Canadian who dominated the game from start to finish with 69% possession. Panama only had four shots in the game and none of them were much of a threat. Canada had 13, and many more chances in mind as they set up the footballing equivalent of a medieval siege in front of Panama's goal.

With 90-degree temperatures giving way to mist and wind whipping the Estadio Universitario de Monterrey, Canada's headquarters pushed and probed Panama's defensive wall, but never to destructive effect.
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At 9 minutes, Janine Beckie followed up a defensive clearance attempt down the right, forcing Panamanian keeper Yenith Bailey to come up to her star and save the rebound. Bailey was in action a minute later fending off another attempt around his post.

Canada were equally comfortable attacking from both sides of the pitch and in the 14th minute, Christine Sinclair powered Adriana Leon down the left only for her to hit wide.

It was one-sided until the 21st minute when Panama scored their first shot on goal with Laurie Batista hitting the ball 30m from the top of the net. Canada may have had possession and play, but the Panamanians weren't toothless, although it was a bite confined mostly to defensive areas.

Panama weren't afraid to blame the wings and in the 31st minute Katherine Castillo received a yellow card for bringing down Leon. Minutes later, Leon was swept away again as she threatened down the left.

Canada pressed but the final ball found no targets in the box. In the 34th minute, another Panamanian foul 40m from goal was spoiled by the Canadians.

Panama grew in confidence and in the 36th minute fired their own free-kick 30m to the left of Canada's goal. Marta Cox's shot was easily saved by Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo.

Sports Jul 9, 2022 0 89 Add to Reading List

Canada beat Panama 1-0 to secure 2023 World Cup spot

July 8 – Olympic champions Canada secured their place in the semi-finals of the Concacaf W Championship, guaranteeing them a spot at the 2023 World Cup, with a 1-0 win over Panama.

It was a 1-0 beating to be honest, and it will be troubling for head coach Bev Priestman and his Canadian who dominated the game from start to finish with 69% possession. Panama only had four shots in the game and none of them were much of a threat. Canada had 13, and many more chances in mind as they set up the footballing equivalent of a medieval siege in front of Panama's goal.

With 90-degree temperatures giving way to mist and wind whipping the Estadio Universitario de Monterrey, Canada's headquarters pushed and probed Panama's defensive wall, but never to destructive effect.

At 9 minutes, Janine Beckie followed up a defensive clearance attempt down the right, forcing Panamanian keeper Yenith Bailey to come up to her star and save the rebound. Bailey was in action a minute later fending off another attempt around his post.

Canada were equally comfortable attacking from both sides of the pitch and in the 14th minute, Christine Sinclair powered Adriana Leon down the left only for her to hit wide.

It was one-sided until the 21st minute when Panama scored their first shot on goal with Laurie Batista hitting the ball 30m from the top of the net. Canada may have had possession and play, but the Panamanians weren't toothless, although it was a bite confined mostly to defensive areas.

Panama weren't afraid to blame the wings and in the 31st minute Katherine Castillo received a yellow card for bringing down Leon. Minutes later, Leon was swept away again as she threatened down the left.

Canada pressed but the final ball found no targets in the box. In the 34th minute, another Panamanian foul 40m from goal was spoiled by the Canadians.

Panama grew in confidence and in the 36th minute fired their own free-kick 30m to the left of Canada's goal. Marta Cox's shot was easily saved by Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo.