• Christine Sinclair scored her 154th goal for Canada in World Cup win
  • The forward slotted home penalty in the second minute of injury time
  • A sell-out crowd of 53,058 watched the opening match in Edmonton

Pa Reporter

An injury time goal by Christine Sinclair from the penalty spot lifted Canada to nail-biting 1-0 win over China on Saturday to get the Women’s World Cup off to an electrifying start.

Canadian coach John Herdman had declared on the eve of the opener anything less than victory would be a disappointment and Sinclair, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, made sure the capacity crowd of 53,058 went home happy when she coolly stepped up and slotted home a low shot to the right corner past a diving Chinese keeper. 

Canada's Christine Sinclair (right) celebrates scoring the winner against China on Saturday

Canada’s Christine Sinclair (right) celebrates scoring the winner against China on Saturday

China goalkeeper Wang Fei was finally beaten by Sinclair's penalty in stoppage time

China goalkeeper Wang Fei was finally beaten by Sinclair’s penalty in stoppage time

Canada's goalkeeper Erin McLeod comes out to take a cross during the World Cup clash

Canada’s goalkeeper Erin McLeod comes out to take a cross during the World Cup clash

Canada had dominated much of play but could not crack the Chinese wall until Adriana Leon was brought down heavily by Zhao Rong in the box, the referee immediately pointing to spot.

There was no doubt who would get the chance to be the hero, with Sinclair, who made her national team debut when she was 16 years old and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since, notching her 154th goal.

Canada goalkeeper McLeod bravely dives at the feet of China's Gu Yasha to make a save

Canada goalkeeper McLeod bravely dives at the feet of China’s Gu Yasha to make a save

The opening match of the women's World Cup in Edmonton was a sell-out

The opening match of the women’s World Cup in Edmonton was a sell-out

The sell-out crowd was treated to a colourful opening ceremony in Canada on Saturday

The sell-out crowd was treated to a colourful opening ceremony in Canada on Saturday

ShuÈme, the female Great White Owl mascot for the 2015 women's World Cup

ShuÈme, the female Great White Owl mascot for the 2015 women’s World Cup

A general view during the Group A match between Canada and China at the Commonwealth Stadium

A general view during the Group A match between Canada and China at the Commonwealth Stadium

The expanded edition of the competition will feature 24 teams for the first time

The expanded edition of the competition will feature 24 teams for the first time

 

 

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