Fifa Women’s World Cup: Sinclair has penalty saved as Olympic champions Canada held by Nigeria
- Christine Sinclair denied history-making goal by Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Draw leaves Group B wide open after Australia’s 1-0 win over Ireland on Thursday
Christine Sinclair had a penalty saved as Olympic champions Canada were held 0-0 in their opener by Nigeria, who saw Deborah Abiodun pick up the first red card of this Women’s World Cup.
The 40-year-old skipper Sinclair is hoping to make history in Australia and New Zealand by becoming the first player to score at six World Cups.
But she missed the chance to reach that milestone in Melbourne as her weak penalty early in the second half was saved by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
With few clear chances otherwise, that allowed the Super Falcons to come away with a morale-boosting draw in Group B, in which co-hosts Australia beat Ireland 1-0 on Thursday.
A deflated Canada coach Bev Priestman refused to blame Sinclair for what could prove to be a costly draw.
“Christine Sinclair scored many, many, many goals for this country and I’m sure the fans, the team and everyone can forgive missing a penalty kick,” Priestman told reporters. “I think penalty kicks are a 50-50 chance and on this day ‘Sinc’ didn’t score.