FT: Team GB 0-2 Canada
The dream is over for Team GB’s women and Hope Powell at the 2012 London Olympics.
They put in a flat performance and were deservedly beaten in the quarter-finals by Canada, losing 2-0 at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair scored the goals for the Canadians, which sealed Team GB’s fate.
They will now meet the USA at Old Trafford in the semi-finals.
Although it is a sad ending, there can be no doubt that the stock of women’s football has risen considerably after Team GB’s run in this tournament and no-one will ever forget beating the mighty Brazil infront of 70,000 at Wembley.
Early setbacks
The injured Kelly Smith was replaced in the starting 11 by Ellen White but this made no difference, as the North Americans came out on a mission and were far the better side.
Team GB fell behind after 11 minutes, conceding their first goal of the competition in the process.
Filigno hit a brilliant first-time volley from a corner, which gave goalkeeper Karen Bardsley no chance.
Jill Scott tried her luck from distance but her effort was comfortably saved.
Things got worse just 13 minutes later. Maple Leaf skipper, Sinclair curled a direct free-kick around the wall and the ball nestled in Bardsley’s net and put Team GB right on the backfoot.
It was Sinclair’s third goal of these Olympics and her 140th goal for Canada.
Frustration
Karen Carney had a header which went close but chances for the home side were at a premium, infront of a strong crowd of approximately 28,000.
With ten minutes remaining, Eniola Aluko was tripped in the box by Rhian Wilkinson but the referee waved penalty appeals away, much to the frustration of the crowd and the players.
Replays afterwards indicated that it was a poor decision but it is unlikely that it will have made a significant impact on the final outcome.
There can be no doubts over the result and the right team won but Hope Powell’s team have won over many sceptics before the tournament and they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.
It is an opportunity missed but the experience will have helped the players and the game of women’s football in general.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
Comments
Post a Comment