Edmonton, Alberta – Canada's Women's Under-19 National Team earned a 3-2 victory over Denmark in their opening game at the 2002 FIFA U19 Women's World Championship at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Sunday.
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Kara Lang scored from 25 yards out after spotting Danish goalkeeper Sarah Andersen off her line. When asked after the game about the play, Lang replied: “It was a shot.” The goal was reminiscent of Ronaldinho's goal in the World Cup.

The goal came after Michelle Rowe evened the score at 2-2 when she converted a free kick by Carmelina Moscato in the 69th minute only minutes after coming on as a substitute for Katie Thorlakson. 

The Canadians had their first of many scoring opportunities in the 12th minute. Melanie Booth floated an excellent cross to a streaking Brittany Timko who hammered a right-footed volley right at Andersen. Two minutes later Thorlakson put Christine Sinclair through alone but Andersen rushed out to save it.

In the 15th minute, Lang picked up a Sasha Andrews clearance and after a few nifty moves sent a superb far post cross to Sinclair who headed the ball home for a 1-0 lead, which stood until halftime.

Denmark enjoyed their best spell of the game at the start of the second half. Johanna Rasmussen took a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and beat Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod with a strong shot. One minute later, Denmark made it 2-1 when Marie Herping snuck in behind the Canadian defence and slid the ball past McLeod.

The Canadians will face Japan on Tuesday, August 20 at 8:00 p.m. MT. Nigeria and Denmark face each other in the first game at 5:45 p.m.

Sunday, August 18, 2002 – FIFA U19 Women's World Championship
Canada \t\t3 (1)
Denmark \t2 (0)
Goals: Canada: Christine Sinclair (15), Michelle Rowe (69), Kara Lang (79); Denmark: Johanna Rasmussen (52), Marie Herping (53)
Cautions: Canada: Amy Vermeulen (56); Cecilie Pedersen (21)
Referee: Krystyna Szokolai (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Airlie Keen (Australia), Katarzyna Nadolska (Poland)
Fourth Official: Sueli Tortura (Brazil)
Canada: Erin McLeod, Sasha Andrews, Carmelina Moscato, Amy Vermeulen, Clare Rustad, Candace Chapman, Christine Sinclair (Captain) (Caroline Vaillancourt, 85), Melanie Booth, Kara Lang, Katie Thorlakson (Michelle Rowe, 67), Brittany Timko. Head coach: Ian Bridge
Denmark: Sarah Andersen, Kristina Boldt, Camilla Mogensen (Ellen Larsen, 82), Trine Boman Jensen, Ditte Larsen, Mariann Gajhede Knudsen, Cecilie Pedersen (Sandra Jensen, 59), Dorte Petersen, Johanna Rasmussen, Malene Olsen, Marie Herping (Pernille Jorgensen, 88). Head coach: Per Rud

For more information please contact:
Morgan Quarry (780) 426-3636 ext.: 230 or media@soccercan.ca
Or visit our web site: www.canadasoccer.com

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