Canada Wins 2011 Cyprus Women’s Cup

The Canadian women’s national team clinched their third Cyprus Women’s Cup title in four years with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. Emily Zurrer scored in the first half of extra time to break a 1-1 deadlock at the Tassos Marcou Stadium in Paralimni, Cyprus.

Jonelle Filigno opened the scoring for Canada in the 20th minute after a defensive miscue from the Dutch. However, Dutch left-back Claudia van den Heiligenberg beat Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod in the 40th minute to equalize.

“We played better, but the wind was against us, so it was difficult to be precise with our passing,” remaked Canada head coach Carolina Morace on the first half.

Both the Netherlands and Canada had good chances to grab the win in the second half, but neither side could break the deadlock. However, in injury time, Zurrer stuck home a free kick from Diana Matheson to clinch the win for Canada.

Canada had previously won the competition in 2008 and 2010, finishing as runners-up in 2009. This was the Netherlands’ highest-ever finish in the Cyprus Cup. Canada will compete in Group A of this summer’s Women’s World Cup against hosts Germany, Nigeria and France. The Netherlands did not qualify for the competition.