Christine Sinclair (pictured) scored in Canada's 1-0 Cyprus Women's Cup win over Korea Republic on March 6, 2015, in Larnaca, Cyprus. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
LARNACA, Cyprus – Christine Sinclair scored for a second straight game in the Cyprus Women’s Cup as Canada (2-0-0, 6 points) posted a 1-0 win over Korea Republic (0-0-2, 0 points) on Friday at GSZ Stadium.
The win kept the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup host in a first-place tie with Italy (2-0-0, 6 points), which beat Scotland 3-2 later in the day. A top-of-the-table clash will take place between the sides on Monday in Nicosia.
After a scoreless first half, Sinclair netted just seconds after the break. Josée Bélanger drew the Korean defense out of position at the edge of the 18-yard box, allowing Sinclair to slip in behind and net her 153rd career international goal.
The physical encounter yielded cautions for each team. Canada’s Jessie Fleming (66’) and Young Ju Lee (69’) of Korea Republic were both ejected after receiving their second cautions.
In Paralimni, Mexico (2-0-0, 6 points) maintained sole possession of first place in Group C with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Teresa Noyola scored the game’s only goal, knocking a rebound past goalkeeper Radka Bednarikova in the 61st minute.
On Monday, the Mexicans will face Belgium (0-1-1, 1 point