Jessie Fleming and Nichelle Prince scored second-half goals as Canada sealed a spot in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
Kenneth Heiner-Moller's team knew a victory would make sure of its progression after beating Cameroon 1-0 last time out, and although the victory was not as comprehensive as it could have been, New Zealand rarely threatened to derail Canada's qualification hopes.
Canada had the better of a generally tight first half in Grenoble on Saturday, with the best opportunity falling to Christine Sinclair, who nodded against the frame of the goal.
Canada vs New Zealand, as it happened
But the Canucks were not to be denied in the 48th minute when Fleming netted with a clinical finish and Prince doubled their advantage late on, meaning Canada and Netherlands – who is also assured of a place in the knockout phase – will tussle for top spot in Group E when they meet on Thursday.
Canada swiftly established control over New Zealand, though it took 21 minutes to create the first chance, as Sinclair's close-range header came back off the crossbar and Kadeisha Buchanan's effort on the rebound was cleared off the line.
New Zealand improved towards the end of the half and Stephanie Labbe was forced to palm away a right-wing cross in the 38th minute, before Olivia Chance sliced the follow-up well wide.
READ | Miedema breaks record as European champion progresses
The breakthrough did not take much longer, however, as Canada went ahead just after the break – Prince doing well down the left before teeing up Fleming with an inch-perfect cut-back.
A stunning Erin Nayler save from Prince's 72nd-minute header looked to keep New Zealand's hopes alive.
But Prince got her goal soon after, reacting quickest when Sinclair headed against the upright.
Comments
Follow Us
SHARE