CWNT vs. Mexico: America's Hat vs. Well...You Know.
by John Leung on Jan 27, 2012 9:00 AM EST
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This is it ladies and gentlemen, one more win and the Canadian women are off to London this summer to play for Olympic gold. But to do that, they've got to run through the 21st ranked Mexicans, who are not the cake walk that were Canada's group stage opponents.
It's the old song, right down to a T -- win and you're in, lose and you're out. And there is no inter-confederation playoffs to save the day, either.
Canada may hold a 16-1-1 record against the Mexicans, but one has to remember that the lone loss kept Canada out of the 2004 Olympic tournament. The Mexicans, who were widely expected to be Canada's opponents in the semi-finals (given the way the tournament was set up, you pretty much could bet the farm on it...not to say you should) were beaten by the Yanks 4-0 in their final group game, but remember...had knocked off those same Americans less than two years ago during World Cup qualification.
- Know Your Enemy: Two words -- Maribel Dominguez. This 32-year old dynamo who plays in the Spanish women's La Liga is Mexico's answer to Christine Sinclair. Dominguez was the spark that laid the killer blow in 2010 that the Americans could not recover from, and she is threatening to do it again. The defence will have to keep this livewire, and her supporting cast which includes Veronica Perez, quiet.
- More Rest, Less Rest: The Canadians have had an extra day to recover than the Mexicans, which could prove to be a blessing and a curse at the same time. How that will play out remains to be seen.
- Herdman's Day Out: This is perhaps John Herdman's biggest test as Carolina Morace's replacement; the latter was fired after the disaster in Germany. No doubt he will be feeling the pressure, especially from some senior players who are chomping at the bit to redeem themselves to the country.
- Sinclair, Sinclair, Alleluia: She's saved our blushes so many times -- but which Christine Sinclair will stand up on Friday night? No doubt the Mexicans will be watching her like a hawk, double...nay, triple marking the sniper. Some call her the greatest; but tonight that greatness must shine in order to secure passage to London.
- Oh My, Defence: Largely untested through the last three games, Canada's defence was rather shaky when it gave up the goal against Costa Rica. Against a stronger offense, how will it hold?
Tune in tonight at 8:30pm MST (10:30pm EST) on Sportsnet for the thrilling second-last chapter to this story. Will the Canadians get a chance to play for Olympic hardware? And will I flub any lines during MRU TV's first 3pm Connected news show of 2012? Tune in to find out more!
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the mru cougars? chuckle. also they’re playing the kings? women’s hockey team gets called the kings? odd.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 12:32 PM EST reply actions
oh, and go Canada!
we will of course be doing some kind of half arsed live thread of the game here, at least I will.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 12:33 PM EST reply actions
I’m in to post as well. Should be half way decent
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dont forget that the game will be streamed online here:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/concacaf_woq/
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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alright us v costa rica
can’t see any way that there’ll be an upset here, but I guess we can hope.
amused that we played the american anthem first, followed by the costa rican one. that’s probably the closes we’ll get to a victory here i think.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 8:11 PM EST reply actions
If they keep tackling the Americans like that this game will at least be a very entertaining watch!
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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yep, some feistineess, bad blood, red cards and maybe a minor injury or two (nothing serious, just enough to keep them out for 2 or 3 days would be ideal).
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Well, there it is. Tobin Heath makes it 1-0 on the second effort off a corner.
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boooooooooo!
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
1-0 at the half
So seriously, not a chance anyone would have seen that first half performances. The game plan of CRC is clearly doing well to rattle the Americans as they look far less comfortable on the ball. If not for a cross bar and bad set piece defending this would be a much different looking game right now. But still CRC are very much in this one
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fantastic performance so far by costa rica so far. can they keep it going? probably not, but very impressive so far. good on ’em.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 9:02 PM EST reply actions
second half underway, no subs by the US.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 9:12 PM EST reply actions
That surprised me. Really expected that Heath would come off after struggling to deal with the physicallity. Also expected them to put someone else up top with Wambach. The pace of Morgan would really help in this sort of game where Wambach is not her normal self
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Americans clearly on the front foot now. The skeptic in me is expecting a fair few CRC injuries in the next couple of minutes.
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yeah, it’s been all US in first ten minutes of second half.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
2-0
wambach shot cleared off the line, then cari lloyd hammered it home form outside the box. game over really.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 9:39 PM EST reply actions
3-0
alex morgan, almost at the end of the game.
very very good effort by the costa ricans.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 9:55 PM EST reply actions
caanada starting xi as per twitter
LeBlanc, Woeller, Wilkinson, Chapman, Julien, Scott, Sinclair, Schmidt, Tancredi, Parker & Sesselmann to start vs Mexico in semis.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 10:02 PM EST reply actions
Great to see that Sessi made it back for this game. Means that Canada can go with their best XI based on who is on the tournament roster.
Should see Sincy go back to more of the AM role and that would mean Schmidt being pushed back again. All things I am fine with.
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
3-1 Canada.
AULIE AULIE OXEN FREE!!!1
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by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 27, 2012 10:11 PM EST reply actions
Last minute Prize offer!
If you can correctly predict the score of the match as well as the goal scorers (only for Canada) I will donate a prize to you!
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I imagine I should be ineligible, but I enjoy moral victories, so I’ll be confident and say 3-0 canada. sinclair, parker and sinclair.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 10:13 PM EST reply actions
Twitter Entry
From Nicole Moores
CAN 3-1 (Tancredi, Sinclair X 2)
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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From Roz
3-1 Canada. 2 for Sinclair, 1 for Tancredi
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Kristin going 2-1 for Canada. No scorers yet
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Sinclair and Schmidt for Kristin
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk1MvoJdwsY&feature=youtu.be
highlights of us v costa rica.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Getting close to kick off now. Bring on the anthems, lets get BC place rocking.
Apparently got 17k plus at the game tonight
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yep, ready to go.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
only down side is we are now going to hear about this crowd non stop when it comes time for the venues for the next round of CMNT games to be set…
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
ah, they’ve earned it. the pitch is a big downside, but this crowd is genuinely impressive.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
I know, just dont want to hear about it non-stop
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
well, venues should be announced this week (i presume), so it’ll be bitching and moaning if they don’t get one, but not much time for campaigning.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Made it!
Home just in time for the anthems…yay for late kickoffs…Let’s do this!!
first ten minutes.
Canada on top, having more possession, but mexico giving no space. very cagey so far.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:22 PM EST reply actions
sinclair 1-0!
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:25 PM EST reply actions
ridiculously wide open at top of box, got the pass and roofed it.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:26 PM EST reply actions
Mexico’s choice to not man mark her early in this game is a real head scratcher. IN a 10v10 they have a chance but not if they try to go at Canada and allow Sincy space and time
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Well…that’s 2…and everyone heart just stopped and restarted
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by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 27, 2012 11:34 PM EST reply actions
yep. at least we don’t need to win sunday’s game if she is hurt. doesn’t seem too bad though.
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by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
looked like spikes to the ankle rather than rolling her ankle.
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by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 27, 2012 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
2-0
tancredi makes it 2. sinclair looked injured, but seems to be alright.
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by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:34 PM EST reply actions
Glad that Tanc finished one. So many criticism of her finishing ability going around tonight.
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
a booking!
dominguez gets booked for a foul on sinclair. was nothing by the standards of some of the things that have been let go in this tournament.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:48 PM EST reply actions
If Mexico stays behind like this look for her to do her very best to get sent off. Dominguez is a world class player but also lacks all kinds of control when she gets frustrated
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
sinclair almost with a 3rd. good shot from wide and good save from santiago.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:49 PM EST reply actions
Well Sincy is only 1 behind Wambach right now for 3rd place and level with Prinz for 4th so another goal would be great in that respect.
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t even care that I’m out of the running for the prize…I just want to see them score more goals & win this game emphatically. Go Sincy!!
I was out so fast. Dang my pessimism
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 27, 2012 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
half time 2-0
very good first half.
great performance by the midfield especially desiree scott, couple of well taken goals, and we’re half way there.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 27, 2012 11:58 PM EST reply actions
Very impressed
Did not expect them to put in such a strong half. Scott has been a beast out there & well, Sinclair! Hopefully they don’t fade in the second again. Need to keep the pressure on!
Need to do the business for at least another 20 minutes to get a third. If they let up a bit then I will forgive them
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 28, 2012 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Aww
Nice work by the cameraman to get that shot of the Canadian & Mexican girls next to one another in the stands…isn’t that sweet? We can all just get along! lol
hope the canadian girls were giving the mexican girl all sorts of shit. be nice when the games done.
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by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Julien missed a bit of a sitter there. Lack of finishing quality beyond Sinclair showing again
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As Sinclair goes...
…so goes the team…they’re strong but do they ever need her.
We have others who can score just not on a consistent enough basis at this point. Good news is Buckland and Julien are young and can improve in that regard.
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 28, 2012 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
dangerous-ish free kick, about 25 yards out. blasted over the bar by the mexican.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:20 AM EST reply actions
and then they almost score again. putting the pressure on here.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:21 AM EST reply actions
kyle coming on for julien
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:22 AM EST reply actions
shores up the midfield a bit more, moves Sincy forward a bit and brings some more pace. Good sub at this stage of the game when Canada needs to get abck on the front foot
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 28, 2012 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
booth for sesselman
at left back.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:29 AM EST reply actions
pretty straight forward change with Sessi coming back from the knock seems 90 minutes was too much for her tonight. A solid hour though all things considered.
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 28, 2012 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
good save by leblanc. but now it’s 2-1.
bugger
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:33 AM EST reply actions
good strike for the goal, through a whole bunch of canadians.
need to get control of this game back, second half all mexico.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:34 AM EST reply actions
Felt KK was fouled there but would need to see it again to be sure. There was a whole lot of traffic in her way for sure
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by Dave Rowaan on Jan 28, 2012 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Damn it!
Mexico have had all the drive in this half…need to get one back & soon.
Where has all the poise and composure of the first half gone?
Writer for Toronto FC blog Waking The Red
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Great question
They’re really playing scared right now…not liking the “running around like chickens w/ their heads cut off” style of play.
And can the reffing get much worse?
man…3-1 was a good guess tonight.
AULIE AULIE OXEN FREE!!!1
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by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 28, 2012 12:42 AM EST reply actions
apparently so.
if it stays like this, two people have the scorers exactly right as well. need a tiebreaker.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
arm wrestling?
AULIE AULIE OXEN FREE!!!1
Follow me I'm Boring!
Devour my Revolution!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 28, 2012 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
We also have a tie in the contest. Trying to sort it out now
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conflict of interest on my behalf, this one’s all you dave.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 1:04 AM EST up reply actions
Sweet Victory!!! Olympics Soccer!
AULIE AULIE OXEN FREE!!!1
Follow me I'm Boring!
Devour my Revolution!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 28, 2012 1:02 AM EST reply actions
3-1 final
very good job. got very shaky for a while before the third goal, but all in all a good performance, and a great tournament so far.
che sera sera, whatever will be will be. we’re going to wem-ber-lee, che sera sera.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 1:02 AM EST reply actions
Sweet Victory!!! Olympics Soccer!
AULIE AULIE OXEN FREE!!!1
Follow me I'm Boring!
Devour my Revolution!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jan 28, 2012 1:03 AM EST reply actions
very sweet.
hopefully they can finish it off on sunday, but if not, ’s all good.
Managing editor of SBNation's Toronto FC blog,Waking the Red .
by Duncan Fletcher on Jan 28, 2012 1:07 AM EST up reply actions
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