Canada claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon courtesy of a headed goal from Kadeisha Buchanan. The centre back evaded Cameroon markers from a corner in the 45th minute to nod home, giving Canada three points in their opening World Cup match.
While the North American side dominated possession, they generally struggled to make any real impact on Cameroon’s tightly packed defence. 74% of the ball saw 16 shots but only four on target.
The Indomitable Lionesses, meanwhile, had a clear game plan to defend tightly, and hope that they could conjure something up on the break. The closest they came was through a header, similar to Buchanan’s, from Claudine Meffometou meeting a second-half corner.
The Canadians never really got firing for this opening match, although did deserve their victory after being in control of most of the play. Cameroon defended doggedly, though. They will feel frustrated that one slip of concentration from a corner cost them what would have been an excellent point.
This tactical analysis explains how the game unfolded.
The Lineups
Cameroon nominally lined up in a 5-4-1. Three centre backs gave an extra bit of defensive security, helping the pack out the middle of the pitch. The aggression of Christine Manie and intelligent movement of Estelle Johnson was key in defence. The two defenders also ably stepped out of defence to close down in midfield.
Wingers Gabrielle Onguéné and Ajara Nchout were orientated relatively high and narrow. This helped to congest the middle further, as well as maintaining a mid-block. This stopped Canada being able to ease through the middle of the park. Their positioning also put them in a good position to counter should the opportunity arise.
Canada were deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation in contrast to the team sheet and generally focused on trying to play through the thirds. Sophie Schmidt and Desiree Scott played the deeper midfield roles, with both dropping to help with the build up.
Ashley Lawrence provided ample attacking threat from right back, while Manchester City attacker Janine Beckie drifted from the wing more centrally. The line was, of course, led by captain and national team hero Christine Sinclair. She begins the tournament on 181 goals international, just three short of the record set by Abby Wambach for national team goals in both the men’s and women’s games.
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