Canada opened the 2016 Algarve Cup against European opponents Denmark, falling 0:1 on a second-half goal to Portland-based Nadia Nadim. The 2 March match was the first of three to be played in group action from 2-7 March.

While there was no scoring in the first half, both sides created chances. In the 10th minute, a combination between Josée Bélanger, Diana Matheson and Sophie Schmidt opened a chance for Jessie Fleming, but the youngster’s shot was saved by the veteran goalkeeper Stina Lykke Petersen.

Pernille Harder was the key player on a pair of Danish attacks, once in alone and then later springing Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen on another opportunity. Both attempts were stopped by Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé.

Into the second half, Nadim was able to take advantage of a ball that bounced in Denmark’s favour for the lone goal of the match, scoring in the 56th minute from inside the penalty area.

Into the last 30 minutes, Canada made their changes and pushed forward on attempt for goal. Action continued into the dying minutes of the game, with Ashley Lawrence and Diana Matheson and Gabrielle Carle nearly combining for a Canadian equaliser. Canada never let up, with Allysha Chapman on an ensuing attack.

Attendance for the Canada-Denmark match at Estádio Municipal de Albufeira was approximately 500 spectators.

CANADA-DENMARK LINEUPS:

Canada's starting XI featured Stephanie Labbé in goal, Josée Bélanger at right back, Kadeisha Buchanan and Rebecca Quinn at centre back, Ashley Lawrence at left back, and Desiree Scott, Jessie Fleming, Sophie Schmidt, Diana Matheson (captain), Deanne Rose, and Janine Beckie from the midfield up through to the attack.

In the second half, Canada's coach John Herdman replaced Fleming and Schmidt with Allysha Chapman and Melissa Tancredi (64’), Bélanger and Rose with Rhian Wilkinson and Christine Sinclair (68’), and Beckie with Gabrielle Carle (78’).

Denmark's starting XI featured Stina Lykke Petersen in goal, Theresa Nielsen at right back, Simone Boye Sørensen and Mie Leth Jans at centre back, Line Røddik Hansen at left back, and Katrine Veje, Julie Jensen, Nanna Christiansen, Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen, Nadia Nadim, and Pernille Hardner (captain) from the midfield up through to the attack.

In the second half, Denmarks coach Nils Nielsen replaced Christiansen and Troelsgaard with Johanna Rasmussen and Line Jensen (62’), Julie Jensen with Sarah Dyrehauge Hansen (85’), and Veje with Maja Kildemoes (89’).

Of note in the match, Canada’s young star Kadeisha Buchanan made her 50th international appearance.