VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Josee Belanger’s big left foot propelled Canada right into the Women’s World Cup quarterfinal on home soil, with her goal in the 52nd minute lifting the tournament hosts past Switzerland 1-0 in a knockout-round match Sunday.
Belanger, back at her preferred forward position following a three-game stint on defense in the group stage, controlled a pass from Christine Sinclair and struck it left-footed to finish into the lower corner of the net past diving Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.
That’s all it took to send rocking BC Place into a frenzy.
As Belanger pumped both arms in celebration while running back, coach John Herdman jumped into the air as his squad came out energized after halftime. Switzerland’s solid attack and pressure in the first half helped quiet the crowd of 53,855.
Canada advances to face sixth-ranked England or No. 11 Norway in the quarterfinals next Saturday back here at BC Place.