Music: {allcanada} Canada Knocks Off South Africa For First Victory

Saturday, July 28, 2012

{allcanada} Canada Knocks Off South Africa For First Victory

Christine Sinclair scored twice and Melissa Tancredi added one as Canada knocked off South Africa 3-0, for their first victory of the London 2012 Olympic soccer tournament.

Sinclair's first and second goals of London 2012 came in the second half as she headed home a cross in the 58th minute, and followed that up by converting a clear break on net in the 86th to put the game out of reach.

These goals pull Sinclair into a tie with American striker Abby Wambach for second all-time in international scoring with 139.

There was some confusion as to if the ball crossed the line on her first goal but Sinclair left no doubt by following it up and kicking it into the net.

Only seven minutes into the match Ancaster, Ontario native Tancredi made an impact as she collected a cross just inside the box and slid her her 20th international goal past South African keeper Thokozile Mndaweni to give Canada an early lead.

Unfortunately the news was not all positive for Canada in their victory. Defender Robyn Gayle, who started in place of Candace Chapman who was injured in Canada's opening game against Japan, suffered her own injury late in the second half and was replaced.

Canada will face Sweden in the final Group F game knowing they will advance into the knockout stage with a victory. South Africa will finish the round robin portion of the tournament against World Champion Japan.