By Mackenzie Mills

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS CANADA, EDGE NEW ZEALAND IN A 2-1 WIN….WELL FOR A FEW DAYS.

ST-ETIENNE, France, July 25- Canada started their gold medal defence with a 2-1 win over New Zealand.

Most of the focus however was on Canada’s spying scandal as just hours before two staff members were sent home and Canadian manager Bev Priestman removed herself from the game.

New Zealand used this as motivation, scoring the opening goal, playing physical football.

New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix star Mackenzie Barry opened the scoring in the 13th minute finishing Katie Kitching’s corner that hit the underside of the cross bar.

The early goal was a wakeup call to the Canadian side who instantly increased the intensity and attacking presence. Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea) and Adriana Leon (Aston Villa) were the driving force.

After a press and a few well created chances, a beautiful passing display became 1-1 after Cloe Lacasse (Arsenal) scored a powerful close-range goal into the top corner.

As they came out for the second half, Canada kept their momentum going, challenging the New Zealand defence. The Canadian side where deep in New Zealand’s half and had majority of the possession.

Canada almost had the lead in the 60th minute when Quinn (Seattle Reign FC) tried to header the ball into the net. Anna Leat (Aston Villa) made a very good save of the post to keep New Zealand’s hope alive.

The importance of Canada captain Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns) was solidified in the 79th minute when her almost perfect through pass connected with Evelyne Viens (AS Roma) who landed it perfectly in the top corner. Anna Leat (Aston Villa) had little time to make a save.

This goal made it 2-1 and solidified Canada’s victory. New Zealand just needed to have a tight defence for the final ten minutes in the hopes Canada didn’t score again.

New Zealand created a chance in the fleeting minutes of the game, when Katie Kitching (Sunderland FC) stepped up for a free kick at the top of the box. It sailed wide.

This saw the game end with a 2-1 victory to Canada who will play a dominate France on Sunday. They will subsequently play Colombia on Wednesday in hopes of a podium place for the fourth straight time.

Canada were to vigorous and powerful for this youthful New Zealand Side.

Cheating comes at a cost and several days after the game the team were deducted six points and the Manager Bev Priestman suspended from Professional football for at least a year.

Was spying on a team they were always going to beat worth it?

I would venture to say no.

Reporting by Mackenzie Mills on 27th July 2024.