BRADENTON, Florida - For Canada Women's Under-17 coach Bev Priestman, her team's confidence on the ball was the big key in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Costa Rica at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship.
"They played a deep block in the first half so we had to be patient and be good on the ball," said Priestman in an exclusive interview with CONCACAF following the match.
"In the second half they really came at us and when they came at us, we opened them up a bit. I think the key was confidence on the ball and that's what I was happy to see. That's the identity we want so I'm happy in that respect," added Priestman.
A goal in each half from Andersen Williams paved the way for the three points, however a late Costa Rica charge made for a nervy finish for Priestman's squad.
"We were really happy to get three points, but I think not only did we win, we won playing the right way. I was happy with the way we played. Toward the back end of the game we showed our youth in terms of experience in closing a game, but we'll tighten that up. We got three points and I'm happy the girls could ground out a result," said Priestman.
With the win, Canada has qualified for the knockout stage and will have a chance to play for a spot in the 2018 Under-17 Women's World Cup following Friday's group stage finale versus the United States.
"To get two wins we're in a good spot. In that respect we have our eyes on the qualifying game because we want to go to the World Cup and get that World Cup experience," concluded Priestman.
