After a disappointing start, both Canada and Ghana are in urgent need for three points in their second round clash of Group C at the Women's World Cup on Saturday.
The "Black Queens" suffered a heavy blow by Australia, despite they enjoyed more possession. The Ghanaians kept their traditional way of playing more individually than as a functional group. They created chances more from individual skills, and were hesitating when the chances came.
"The Australians are better than us in seizing opportunities," said Ghana coach Isaac Paha.
"We also created good chances, especially in the first half, but could not catch them."
Ghana have speedy forwards like Florence Okoe and skillful players like captain Adjoa Bayor, who made a solo show to drive home Ghana's consolation goal. But in defence they lacked speed and positional sense, which is likely to be capitalized by a physical Canada side.
With a habitual 4-3-3 formation, the Canadian trident led by top striker Christine Sinclair will pose big trouble on the Africans.
Assisted by Melissa Tancredi and Kara Lang, the Canucks boast a sharp attacking line with obvious advantage in height, speed and athletic power. Their direct and aggressive football proved to be effective in the first half against Norway, but then lost the continuity when the players got heavy legs.
"There are a lot of tired legs now, that's for sure. The result could have been a lot better, of course, but if we keep working as hard as we did yesterday the results will come," said Lang.
Canada boss Even Pellerud may sit on the coaching area after the one match suspension, and the Norwegian coach will try to avoid early exit from the tournament in the do-or-die game.
Source: Xinhua
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