Canada Advances to Semifinals, Edges Brazil 4-3 in Shootout

MIYAGI, Japan (July 30, 2021) — Kansas City NWSL midfielder Desiree Scott returned to Canada’s Starting XI in Friday’s quarterfinal showdown with Brazil after sitting out Canada’s final group stage game against Great Britain. Scott’s well-rested legs were much needed on Friday morning, as she put in a full 120-minute shift in Canada’s victory in penalty kicks over Brazil.  

Scott’s work rate was apparent, serving as Canada’s defensive midfielder, frequently winning tackles and helping Canada retain possession. In addition, Scott played a critical role in keeping Brazil off the scoresheet for the entirety of regulation and extra time. She only got stronger as the match wore on and made important possession-winning challenges late in the second half and into extra time. Even though Scott was not one of Canada’s five penalty takers, she still played a vital role in helping Canada reach that decisive point.  

As the 0-0 final score would indicate, both sides struggled to create quality chances early on. Canada and Brazil both were more-than capable of getting forward in the first half, but a bit of quality in the final third was lacking. Brazil had the most clear-cut opportunity in the opening 45 minutes, as a miscue in the Canadian defense was pounced upon by Brazil forward Debinha in the 40th minute. Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé pounced reacted quickly, though, smothering the ball and preventing Brazil from taking the lead just before halftime.  

Canada then took charge in the beginning of the second half. Canada defender Vanessa Gilles’ header hit the post in the 60th minute following a cross from Canada forward Janine Beckie. Following some nervy play from Canada’s back line, Debinha had an effort from outside the 18-yard box in the 71st minute that Labbe comfortably saved. Canada’s back line continued to hold and Labbe continued to get off her line well to deny Brazilian chances, and the sides headed to extra time notched at zero. 

Both defenses continued to hold strong over the 30 extra minutes, but Brazil began pushing for a winner late in the second half of extra time. Following a long ball played into the box, Labbé denied Brazil defender Érika’s header in the 118th minute to help send the match to penalties.  

Canada forward Christine Sinclair took the first penalty of the shootout, but Brazil goalkeeper Barbara made a diving stop to deny Canada’s all-time leading scorer. Following six consecutive converted penalty kicks between both sides, Brazil forward Andressa stepped to the spot with the shootout tied at three. Labbé made a great stop to deny her, putting the shootout back on level terms. Gilles converted her penalty to put Canada ahead 4-3, and Labbé then saved Brazil defender Rafaelle’s penalty to send Canada through.  

Both goalkeepers stole the show in Friday’s match, with Barbara totaling six saves and one penalty stop and Labbé recording two penalty saves in the shootout. Labbé had just two recorded saves over 120 minutes of play, but her quick reactions and play in big moments helped ensure that Canada will have the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal.  

Scott and Canada now face the United States match in Monday’s Semifinal Round. The match will kick off at 3:00 a.m. CT.  

MIYAGI, Japan (July 30, 2021) — Kansas City NWSL midfielder Desiree Scott returned to Canada’s Starting XI in Friday’s quarterfinal showdown with Brazil after sitting out Canada’s final group stage game against Great Britain. Scott’s well-rested legs were much needed on Friday morning, as she put in a full 120-minute shift in Canada’s victory in penalty kicks over Brazil.  

Scott’s work rate was apparent, serving as Canada’s defensive midfielder, frequently winning tackles and helping Canada retain possession. In addition, Scott played a critical role in keeping Brazil off the scoresheet for the entirety of regulation and extra time. She only got stronger as the match wore on and made important possession-winning challenges late in the second half and into extra time. Even though Scott was not one of Canada’s five penalty takers, she still played a vital role in helping Canada reach that decisive point.  

As the 0-0 final score would indicate, both sides struggled to create quality chances early on. Canada and Brazil both were more-than capable of getting forward in the first half, but a bit of quality in the final third was lacking. Brazil had the most clear-cut opportunity in the opening 45 minutes, as a miscue in the Canadian defense was pounced upon by Brazil forward Debinha in the 40th minute. Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé pounced reacted quickly, though, smothering the ball and preventing Brazil from taking the lead just before halftime.  

Canada then took charge in the beginning of the second half. Canada defender Vanessa Gilles’ header hit the post in the 60th minute following a cross from Canada forward Janine Beckie. Following some nervy play from Canada’s back line, Debinha had an effort from outside the 18-yard box in the 71st minute that Labbe comfortably saved. Canada’s back line continued to hold and Labbe continued to get off her line well to deny Brazilian chances, and the sides headed to extra time notched at zero. 

Both defenses continued to hold strong over the 30 extra minutes, but Brazil began pushing for a winner late in the second half of extra time. Following a long ball played into the box, Labbé denied Brazil defender Érika’s header in the 118th minute to help send the match to penalties.  

Canada forward Christine Sinclair took the first penalty of the shootout, but Brazil goalkeeper Barbara made a diving stop to deny Canada’s all-time leading scorer. Following six consecutive converted penalty kicks between both sides, Brazil forward Andressa stepped to the spot with the shootout tied at three. Labbé made a great stop to deny her, putting the shootout back on level terms. Gilles converted her penalty to put Canada ahead 4-3, and Labbé then saved Brazil defender Rafaelle’s penalty to send Canada through.  

Both goalkeepers stole the show in Friday’s match, with Barbara totaling six saves and one penalty stop and Labbé recording two penalty saves in the shootout. Labbé had just two recorded saves over 120 minutes of play, but her quick reactions and play in big moments helped ensure that Canada will have the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal.  

Scott and Canada now face the United States match in Monday’s Semifinal Round. The match will kick off at 3:00 a.m. CT.