Canada beats Argentina in stoppage time thriller

Canada defeated Argentina 1-0 in stoppage time in the 4th match of the 2021 She Believes Cup. Late-game sub Sarah Stratagakis scored for Canada in the 92nd minute to lift her team to victory. Despite Canada’s success in the waning minutes of the match, the first half got off to a rocky start for both teams.

When balls were sent in across the pitch, both teams missed opportunities because they did not have players on the far post. Coming off of tough loses, the Canadians and Argentines were desperate for goals early on. The Argentines banked on Hail Mary services to midfielder Yamila Rodriguez but Rodriguez was alone, surrounded by a sea of Canadian jerseys. Without the likes of Christine Sinclair and Jordyn Huitema, Canada relied on services into the box. Unfortunately, its services were not met with the goal-scoring touch that Sinclair provides. The need to win and inability to score overwhelmed both teams, leading to a scoreless and chaotic first half.

Canada began to relax as the second half began. Their crosses were more calculated and they started to fill the box. Services from the Canadians threatened the Argentine backline but failed to break it down. Argentina finally started to build momentum in the 65th minute. A header from Sole Jaimes gave Argentina its only real opportunity, but Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe denied it.

Argentina tried to maintain a high level of pressure on Canada but their tenacity didn’t amount to any additional scoring opportunities. The Canadians also struggled with execution. Their free kicks and shots took too long to initiate.

Frustration set in in the 80th minute as injuries and yellow cards began to disrupt play, until the 92nd minute. Sarah Stratagakis who came on in the 73rd minute scored for Canada, earning her team three points.