Women's World Cup 2015: Is Canada set to win top prize?

Women’s World Cup 2015: Is Canada set to win top prize?

Posted By: OneAdmin
June 19, 2015 @ 8:50 am
Local Sports

Team USA might have marched into the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup but it’s a near neighbor which is being tipped to go far in this year’s tournament by one former American star.

The host nation finished top of Group A after winning one and drawing two of its group stage games.

And Briana Scurry, who won the 1999 World Cup and two Olympic gold medals with the USA, says a Christine Sinclair-inspired Canada could spring a surprise.

“Christine is a wonderful player but she’s got a supporting cast around her now,” Scurry told CNN.

“I think they can be trouble for some teams. I’m not saying they’ll win the tournament but they’ll be very difficult to beat.”

Sinclair, who netted an injury-time penalty in the 1-0 win over China in the tournament opener, has impressed Scurry.

The 32-year-old has scored 154 goals in 226 international appearances and has become an iconic figure in the game since making her international debut as a 16-year-old.

And Scurry says with the home fans backing their team, Canada could yet end up going deep into the tournament.

“You can’t underestimate the power of having a home crowd behind you,” she added.

“Those players will have tens of thousands cheering them on.”

“Those fans are eager and excited — they’ve never had an event like this in their own back yard and they’re well up for it.”