Canada completes Norway camp with draw

Canada’s women’s national team completed its week-long European camp with an encouraging draw with hosts Norway in an International friendly on Thursday. Josée Bélanger scored the Canadian goal in the 1:1 draw played at Fart Stadium in Hamar.



For more information on this match, please visit the following fixture report.



Canadian head coach Carolina Morace’s squad travelled to Norway following a camp held near Washington, DC. The USA based camp culminated with an exhibition match against Washington Freedom on 25 May which ended in a

3:3 draw. In total, Morace was provided the opportunity to work with a majority of her squad for 15 consecutive days.



“In these past 15 days we were able to get through a lot of positive work,” said Morace. “The match with Norway was pleasing as I was able to see an improvement in the players from the start of camp. It is now the player’s responsibility to return to their clubs and continue to push them themselves to continue the work we started.”



Canada played well in its match against the world number-six ranked Norwegians. For Bélanger the goal was her first at the international level for Canada. Also of note, Canadian Bryanna McCarthy made her international debut for Canada.



“I think McCarthy played very well,” said Morace. “She looked like a veteran on the field today.”



Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, is currently preparing for the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. That confederation championship will serve as the qualification route for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011. Since 1995, Canada has qualified for four straight FIFA Women’s World Cups.