Canadian forward Janine Beckie (left) controls the ball during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Women’s Group E first-round soccer match between Chile and Canada at the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on July 24, 2021.
The 26-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 39th minute before doubling the lead for the Maple Leaf representatives two minutes after the start of the second half. She could have ended the game with three goals since she hit the post on a penalty shot in the 21st minute.
“As a striker, it’s my role to put the ball in the back of the net so to come back and win after a bit of a disappointing performance in the first game, that was what we wanted,” Beckie said. a press release from Canada Soccer. The ultimate goal of a tournament is to win victories, to win three points and that’s what we did today. I’m happy to have done my job for the team. ”
Chile scored their only goal of the game in the 57th minute with a penalty shot.
With a 1-1 draw against Japan at the curtain-raiser, Canada has provisionally grabbed first place in Group E and faces the UK on Tuesday. Eight of the 12 teams will advance to the quarterfinals after the preliminary tournament.
“In summary, I am happy with the result. We were here to get three points and that’s what we did. We are not surprised at the pace of the game. Nobody expected it to be easy, ”said head coach Bev Priestman. We are taking the positives away, but now we have to refocus because our next game against Great Britain is very important. ”
