Canada Edges France 2-1 to Top Group D at U-17 World Cup
Canada secured a crucial 2-1 victory over France on Saturday, finishing atop Group D with a perfect 3-0 record at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup at the Football Academy Mohammed VI.
The win means Canada avoids a challenging Round of 16 match-up against powerhouse Spain, a two-time champion. Instead, the Canadians will face a third-place finisher from Group B, E, or F on Wednesday. France, which finished second, will now take on Spain.
Match Summary
Melisa Kekic opened the scoring for Canada in the 14th minute, roofing the ball from close range after the French failed to clear a corner.
Canada doubled its lead in the 53rd minute through an own goal by French defender Oceane Moreau Tranchant. Substitute Reed Tingley, who had come on to start the second half, created the goal on a counter-attack, sending in a low cross that Tranchant inadvertently knocked in.
France cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 63rd minute when Lea Morissaint headed a cross into an open net after a casual clearance by Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse went straight to a French player. Despite mounting a late rally and outshooting Canada 21-8 (7-5 on target), France lacked clinical finishing, and the Canadians held on for the win.
Late Red Card Mars Victory
The Canadian victory was marred by the late sending off of second-half substitute Reed Tingley in the 86th minute. A disbelieving Tingley was shown a second yellow card by referee Lara Lee for obstructing a French player attempting a throw-in.
Tingley’s first caution came in the 64th minute for a tackle from behind. Her suspension will force a change in the lineup for Canada’s Round of 16 match. In total, Canada was shown five yellow cards, while France received two.
Group Stage Performance and Context
Both Canada and France had already secured their spots in the knockout round, but the French needed a win to unseat Canada from the top spot. Canada entered the game with wins over Nigeria (4-1) and Samoa (6-0), giving them an edge in goal difference.
Canada’s best showing at the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2018. The team, led by coach Jen Herst who continued to rotate her roster with six starting lineup changes, has qualified for the tournament seven times.
The 24-team tournament runs through November 8.
