Canada has beaten the pre-match favorites Australia into an underdog position as Melissa Tancredi scored after just 42 seconds into the match here on Thursday to lead 1-0 after the first half of their last Group C match at the Women's World Cup Group C.
For the trailing Australians, a draw will do for them to advance as they had led the group before kicking off the match, beating title racers Norway temporarily to the second on goal differentials.
Tancredi's goal marked the fastest one in this tournament so far.
It's just after the first attack made by the Australians who kicked it off but were stolen midway by the Canadian.
The 25-year-old midfielder received a fine pass while moving forward to the penalty box and made a join-up power shot without a hesitation, leaving all stunned both the audience in the stand and the rivals on the pitch.
Australia then pushed hard after conceding the early goal, but they were almost outplayed by the better organized Canadians.
Their best chance in the first half was denied by the post as quick forward Sarah Walsh's close-range low shot from the right wing was touched by goalie Erin McLeod and narrowly cleared by the left post in the 32nd minute.
The next minute saw goalmouth chaos in front of the Canadian goal, with several scoring opportunities coming up to The Matildas but none of them converting it into scoring.
Again in the additional time, the Australia just so missed their chance to level it as Joanne Peters' shot was narrowly wide.
Source: Xinhua
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