Christine Sinclair did what she does best, make the tough look easy, and the world’s leading active female scorer helped Canada to the Olympics.
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Sinclair’s 17th minute chest trap and finish gave Canada a 1-0 lead, assisted by Josee Belanger, and John Herdman’s side saw something even better in the second half en route to a 3-1 win on Friday in Houston.
WATCH: Canada’s Christine Sinclair juggles, spins scores INCREDIBLE goal https://t.co/F30up6qUA9
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 19, 2016
Costa Rica won a PK to make it 2-1 with 15 minutes to play. The decision was treated with some controversy, but we’re fine with the awarding of the pen.Raquel Rodriguez converted, but that was as close as Las Ticas would come. It would also go down as the only goal Canada allowed in qualifying.
WATCH: Raquel Rodriguez scores from penalty spot to keep Costa Rica in the game v. Canada https://t.co/VBp7fn70zm
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 20, 2016
Sixteen-year-old Deanne Rose popped in a winner from Nichelle Prince.
Canada faces the winner of the 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff between the United States and Trinidad & Tobago in the tournament’s championship match on Sunday.
Regardless of that result, the Canadians are off to Rio.