Greece v Canada
Greece (1) v Canada (2)
With Greece and the USA both having four wins each, the result of this match would have a direct impact on the final group table. After a fairly scrappy start, the first shot of the game went to the Canadians, which was saved by the Greek goalkeeper. At the other end, the Greek number 4 misses and open goal and then his team mate, the Greek number 8 fouled a Canadian player and was promptly shown a blue card by the referee from Austria. So the Greeks go down to two outfield players for two minutes. The Canadians got themselves in a muddle on the edge of the "D" and they almost put the ball through their own net. However, the referee stopped that a Canadian player has entered the "D" and awards the Greeks a penalty. The Canadian keeper saves the resulting penalty, but the Greeks are in soon in front, thanks to a shot from Greek player number 6. However, the Canadians score straight from the restart.
Then another Canadian defensive mix-up almost yields another Greek goal just before half-time. We go in at 1-1 at half time.
Early in the second half a fine finish give the Canadians the lead. The Greek's are now forced to look for an equaliser, but the Canadian keeper, Paul, pulls of a series of Fantastic saves. However, he is penalised as he has come out of his box. However, the Greek player tamely puts the ball back into his arms. Minutes later, after a Canadian player enters the "D", the Greeks are offered an other chance to level the scores through a penalty. Again the Canadian goalkeeper is the hero as the Greeks are thwarted. The Canadians continued to frustrate the Greeks and held on for a 2-1 victory.
Paul Macklesworth