Janine Beckie (pictured) scored in Canada's 2-1 win over Korea Republic on January 11, 2015, in Shenzhen, China. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
SHENZHEN, China – Canada scored a pair of second-half goals to rally for a 2-1 win over Korea Republic in the Four Nations Tournament opener for each on Sunday at the Shenzhen Bao'an Sports Center.
Substitute Janine Beckie and center-back Kadeisha Buchanan were on target for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup host.
The Koreans capitalized on a defensive miscue to take a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute through Yue Minji.
After the break, Canada wasted little time in netting a 51st minute equalizer. Neat combination play allowed Allysha Chapman to beat the Korean offside trap and push into the box. With no flag raised on the play, the 25-year-old defender pressed on and crossed into the goal box, where Beckie applied a couple of touches before finding the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Canada struck for the game-winner. Sophie Schmidt’s corner kick to the far post was headed back by Christine Sinclair for Kadeisha Buchanan to head home.
Canada extended its unbeaten streak to three games and will face fellow CONCACAF side Mexico on Tuesday.
China 0, Mexico 0
Goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar was the star of the game for Mexico in a 0-0 draw with host China in the Four Nations Tournament on Sunday at the Shenzhen Bao'an Sports Center.
The 30-year-old was outstanding, especially in the second half, when the Chinese looked particularly dangerous in attack.
Mexican forward Veronica Charlyn Corral, who finished third in voting for the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year award, had two scoring opportunities. Her 67th minute attempt was saved and another, six minutes later, was cleared off the line.