Womens's World Cup 2019: Fleming and Prince take Canucks into last 16
Canada will join Group E rival Netherlands in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup after beating New Zealand 2-0.
Published : Jun 16, 2019 03:44 IST
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.
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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.
Key Opta Facts Canada is unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions in 2019 (W7 D3), conceding only once during that run. New Zealand is now winless in each of its 14 Women's World Cup matches, drawing three and losing the other 11. Canada attempted 12 shots without scoring in the first half – the most of any side during this tournament – but netted with just its second attempt of the second half through Jessie Fleming. Nichelle Prince is the 10th different player to both score and assist in a game at this edition of the Women's World Cup. |