Canadian Women's National Team Beat Brazil to Win Algarve Cup

The Canadian women's national team have won their first ever Algarve Cup after defeating Brazil 2-1 in the tournament final. Shelina Zadorsky would score the opening goal, while Janine Beckie had the winner. Christiane scored late to get Brazil on the board.

This was the first time Canada has beat Brazil, currently ranked 7th in the world by FIFA, since 2012. Canada had not won in their previous five matches, including a loss at this past summer's Pan Am tournament.

Previous to this result, Canada's best showing at the Algarve Cup was fourth place in 2001. The tournament, hosted in Portugal, was being used by the Canadian team to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Both Brazil and Canada would go scoreless through the first 45 minutes, with Canadian goaltender Stephanie Labbe making a couple of key saves to keep the match level. It was a strong half from the Labbe, who is Canada's starting goalkeeper with Erin McLeod injured. Despite her strong play she would be replaced at the half by Sabrina D'Angelo, who Herdman evidently wanted to give some big game experience.

Zadorsky would break the deadlock in the second half off of a corner by Ashley Lawrence. The goal would be a culmination of strong second half play by Canada, who would take the game to Brazil.

Only seven minutes later Beckie would find herself all alone in front of the Brazilian net and make it 2-0. It was her team-leading second goal of the tournament, as she is making a strong case to be included in the roster for Rio 2016.

Brazil would give Canada a scare late in the match when Christiane scored with minutes remaining in the match. But the Canadian team would hold on to win the tournament.

Canada will meet Brazil again this summer for a pair of friendlies on home soil. They will play Brazil at BMO Field in Toronto on June 4, and again in Ottawa on June 7.