18 March 2013
In a tournament like the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, any precious point can mean the difference between advancing and going home early so a 1:1 draw against Korea DPR could mean a world of difference for Canada’s Women’s U-17 Team.
Korea DPR will be made to rue their inability to put the game away after going in front through Sung Hyang Sim in the 54th minute and despite being on the back foot for most of the second half, Canada now sits in second place in Group B at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Costa Rica 2014.
“They showed real resilience and it’s one of the things they want to be known for,” said Head Coach Bev Priestman of her team’s perseverance against the runners-up from the tournament of two years ago.
“All credit to Korea, they came at us. Tactically, they caused us some problems but there are some special girls in this team and they stood out tonight.”
Korea DPR had created a glut of chances prior to taking the lead but Canada managed to create some opportunities of their own as Jessie Fleming hit the crossbar with a long-range effort in the first half and after going down a goal in the second half, they nearly came back when Gabrielle Carle had a header also hit the bar.
The late equalizer, where Kim Jong Sum put the ball just over her own line, was perhaps a little fortuitous but it was it was just rewards for a team that didn’t stop fighting.
“Never give up. Never, ever give up. And you could argue we deserved something from the first game and a bit of luck was on our side tonight,” said Priestman. “But you know, we hit the crossbar twice and the girls are trying to live the way we want to live and I’m just really proud of them.”
The team will take a final day in Liberia, CRC before making the long drive to San Jose, where they’ll take on Ghana in Tibas on Saturday. Ghana are already through as group winners after winning their first two games.
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