FIFA WWC: Canada coach praises Super Falcons, captain expresses disappointment

The Super Falcons began their campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a goalless draw against Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia.

Coach of Canada, the reigning Olympics champions  Bev Priestman shared her thoughts after the match: “We take a point from it [ultimately]. I was really pleased with the push in the end [by the side].

“Credit to Nigeria. They had a game plan and were dangerous on the counterattack.

“We got into the box a lot and had some chances we couldn’t get over the line. That’s tournament football. We dust ourselves and move on to the next match.

“I thought all the players brought something to the pitch. Everybody would expect her (Christine Sinclair) to score [the penalty]. She has scored goal after goal after goal for this country, but ultimately tournament football is about moving on.”

Canada's forward and Captain Jordyn Huitema, who was one of the standout players for Canada, had this to say post-match: “We are disappointed with the result. We wanted more from ourselves.

“There is still lots to play for [in this tournament]. We need to learn from this game and move forward.

“There is always moments we need to take advantage of. It is about finishing our opportunities and making the most of our final passes.”

Canada started the match looking every bit like the World Cup contender they are but ended up falling flat as the match wore on. Nigeria, on the other hand, looked all at sea before going from strength to strength.

In the end, the tale of the tape suggests Canada should have walked away with the three points, especially when you consider that they enjoyed 68 percent possession while edging the Super Falcons 16-11 in total shots.

With one match completed for all teams in Group B, Australia sits on top with three points, while Canada and Nigeria inhabit the next few spots with a point each.

Ireland rounds out the group, but after the encouraging performance they put in against the Matildas, they will be liking their chances at progression. With stoppage time going past the 10-minute mark, the referee finally blows the whistle as the match ends in a goalless draw.

It is an opportunity missed by the seventh-ranked side, as Canada will rue the lacklustre penalty attempt from Sinclair earlier in the half.

Nigeria, on the other hand, will take this result as they have earned their first clean sheet in an opening match of a World Cup.

Considering what a tough group they are in with Australia and Ireland, this result could come back to haunt the Canadians down the road.