Canada draws Norway, Ghana and Australia

OTTAWA (ONTARIO) – Canada’s women’s senior team has drawn Norway, Ghana and Australia for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007. The four countries were placed into group C during the Official Draw, held Sunday 22 April in Wuhan, China.



“I am quite pleased with the outcome” says Canadian head coach Even Pellerud. “Group B looks very strong while the other three groups are quite even, so I am satisfied with this result.”



Indeed, all three countries will bring their unique play to China in September for the group stage of the tournament. Canada plays Norway on 12 September in Hangzhou, Ghana on 15 September also in Hangzhou, and Australia on 19 September in Chengdu.



Canada has faced Norway eight times in international competition with the best result ending in a 1:1 draw at a 2002 international friendly. The teams have also faced each other in two previous FIFA Women’s World Cups. The game in 1995 ended in a 7:0 loss for Canada followed by a 7:1 loss in 1999. The teams last faced each other in a 2005 international friendly (3:0 loss).



Canada and Ghana have played each other only once in international competition. The international friendly match from 2003 ended in a 1:1 draw. Canada and Australia have faced each other thirteen times over the past twenty years. The most recent result at a 2003 international friendly ended in a 2:0 win for Canada.



“Norway will be considered the favorites in Group C but we should put in a good fight for second place” says Pellerud. “We know Australia quite well but we will need to scout the African team during our preparations”.



Canada finished fourth at the 2003 Women’s World Cup that took place in the United States. The team is currently ranked 10th in the world and looking to move up in the rankings.



“We have a core group of players who are returning from the 2003 World Cup” says Pellerud. “We will count on their experience during the tournament because they know what to expect in this type of competition. Our first big goal will be to get through the group stages”.



The FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007 kicks off on 10 September and runs through to the final on 30 September.