Canada qualify for Jordan 2016 - FIFA U-17 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
 |
| CopyHardNews / Reprodução |
Canada became the third and final team from CONCACAF to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016 after a 4-2 win over Haiti in the match for third place at the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship in Grenada.
The first half did not present many clear goalscoring opportunities for either side. Haiti defeated Canada earlier in the tournament, coming from behind to win 2-1, so the closely-fought, physical first half came as little surprise.
After sustained pressure from Canada at the beginning of the second half, the breakthrough finally came for the Canadians when substitute Lauren Raimondo scored from a second-chance opportunity.
Canada then doubled their lead five minutes later when Vital Kats collected the ball after a deflected shot fell in her path and she was able to stab a shot with the outside of her foot past Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus.
A goal from Shana Flynn and a second from Raimondo in quick succession made Canada's lead insurmountable. However, Haiti kept spirits up and captain Nerilia Mondesir scored two goals in the 80th and 89th minute with the first a powerful finish in the top corner and the second a deft touch showing composure in front of goal.
Canada's win sees them through to Jordan 2016. Although they failed to qualify for the U-17 Women's World Cup, Haiti will take encouragement from their performance as it was the furthest they had gone in the tournament.
Canada joins Mexico and USA at Jordan 2016. Both teams had already qualified for the U-17 Women's World Cup with wins in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship.
USA won the title for the third time with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mexico in the final.