Recap and Highlights: Viens scores first international goal as Canada down Wales 3-0

Canada returned to action on Friday afternoon with a 3-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

A major talking point in this one will be Christine Sinclair’s first-half injury, but it was still a positive result for a Canadian side looking to prepare ahead of Tokyo 2020 this summer.

It was a relatively quiet start to the match, though Canada kept the ball in Wales’ half of the pitch for the most part, and came close to scoring a few times from set pieces.

They were struggling to create chances from open play, but a moment of brilliance in the 24th minute would break the deadlock.

After an outstanding pass from Quinn, Deanne Rose ran onto the ball and placed it perfectly into the top right corner to give Canada the lead.

Wales upped the tempo after the goal, but were unable to find the back of the net in the first half.

Canada were more clinical after the break, and doubled the lead in the 59th minute. After starting the attack deep in their own half, the ball ended up on the right wing, where Janine Beckie fired in a perfect cross to Evelyne Viens. Viens swept the ball in at the near post for her first international goal, and making it 2-0.

Just four minutes later, Jessie Fleming made it 3-0 with the best goal of the bunch. After a quick turn to give herself some space, Fleming curled a perfect shot into the top right corner, giving Laura O’Sullivan no chance of keeping it out.

From there, Canada’s backline turned everything away, as Shelina Zadorsky and Vanessa Gilles again impressed at centre-back. Wales again came close a few times, but nothing got by Stephanie Labbé in the Canada net.

Wales put up a good test for Canada, but were unable to beat the Canada backline. All three Canada goals needed a bit of magic, so the 3-0 scoreline doesn’t necessarily reflect the nature of the game.

Canada’s attention now turns to England, who they’ll play on Tuesday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:15 pm EST.