After a build up which saw a few headlines pointed in this game’s direction, defending gold medalists Canada came from behind to secure victory against the Football Ferns.
Canada’s strong starting lineup provided clear indication that they are in this tournament with hopes to go far.
Kailen Sheridan featured between the sticks while defender Kadeisha Buchanan celebrated her 150th cap. But it was goalscorers Evelyne Viens and Cloé Lacasse who stole the show.
New Zealand also named a strong team for their first game but were dealt the unfortunate blow of losing captain Ali Riley to injury just one day before the Games kicked off.
A highlight for the Ferns, was defender Mackenzie Barry who opened their goalscoring account just 13 minutes into match.
How it happened
Canada kicked off their first game with a promising start as chances fell to their feet almost immediately. But despite looking dangerous on attack and winning themselves several set pieces they struggled to utilise the opportunities.
In the 12th minute, New Zealand gained a corner after Jessie Fleming conceded one. The ensuing set piece, taken by Katie Kitching, found Mackenzie Barry in the box.
Barry expertly placed the ball into the top left corner, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead.
The goal shifted momentum, and New Zealand began to recover from a shaky start. However, Canada continued to press forward, earning more set pieces and maintaining a strong offensive push.
Ashley Lawrence showcased her versatility with shots towards goal in the closing minutes of the first half. Chelsea Defender Kadeisha Buchanan also began to push forward for her team, eager to find the equaliser.
In the additional time of the first half, Canada’s dominance was rewarded.
Another fantastic piece of play by Ashley Lawrence saw her find her teammate Nichelle Prince who flicked the ball brilliantly to Arsenal’s Cloé Lacasse.
Lacasse calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, levelling the score at 1-1.
Second half:
New Zealand kicked off the second half, both teams now thinking about how they could go on to win the game.
Likewise to the first half, both teams gave away set pieces to their opposition causing danger around the box.
Canada were rewarded with a corner which initially looked promising once crossed in by Jessie Fleming however this opportunity was wasted with the shot going wide.
Both teams continued to take shots at goal but failed to capitalise early after the restart.
The 56th minute saw a double substitution for the Canadians showing clear intent to push forward with fresh legs to win the game.
Jordyn Huitema replaced goal scorer Cloé Lacasse and Janine Beckie replaced Nichelle Prince.
A few moments later, due to injury for Mackenzie Barry she was replaced by Michaela Foster and Macey Fraser replaced Malia Steinmetz in the 59th minute.
Further substitutions followed as both teams tried to find the winning formula. New Zealand’s Milly Clegg was replaced by Jacqui Hand, while Canada introduced Simi Awujo and Évelyne Viens for Quinn and Gabrielle Carle.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute.
Jessie Fleming delivered a well-placed ball to substitute Évelyne Viens on the right side of the box. Viens finished expertly into the bottom left corner, putting Canada ahead 2-1.
As the match neared its conclusion, Canada worked hard to protect their lead and Kadeisha Buchanan received a yellow card in the closing minutes.
New Zealand pushed for an equaliser but struggled to convert their chances. They were forced into another substitution when Kate Taylor suffered an injury, with Gabi Rennie coming on.
Eleven minutes of additional time was played after the 90, and throughout this Canada managed to defend their lead. They made a final substitution in the 94th minute with Shelina Zadorksy replacing Adriana Leon.
After a painful looking ankle injury for Macey Fraser and New Zealand left without any more substitutes, the midfielder went off leaving New Zealand with just ten players on the field for the final moments.
Full time
This game and the other results placed Canada second in group A, behind home nation France on goal difference.
New Zealand currently sit bottom of group A and will next face Colombia while Canada take on France.
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