Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saves a penalty kick by Canada’s Christine Sinclair during a Women’s World Cup match Friday in Melbourne, Australia. The teams played to a 0-0 draw. Victoria Adkins/Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia — Olympic champion Canada was held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria in its Women’s World Cup opener, as Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made several key saves, including one on a penalty from Christine Sinclair.
It was a crucial miss for Sinclair, the 40-year-old Canadian who is the leading all-time scorer in international soccer, men or women, with 190 goals. Aiming to be the oldest player to score at the Women’s World Cup, she also missed a chance in the 9th minute when she was unmarked at the edge of the box but misfired.
“Christine Sinclair has scored many, many, many goals for this country and I’m sure the fans, the team and everyone can forgive missing a penalty kick,” said Canada Coach Bev Priestman.
Nnadozie also denied a shot from inside the box by Evelyne Viens in the 65th minute. At the end of the game, she fell to her knees and let out a celebratory yell.
“We wanted three (points, for a win), but getting the point keeps you in it and keeps you alive for advancement. So it’s a very positive feeling right now,” said Nigeria Coach Randy Waldrum.
Canada moves to Perth on Australia’s west coast for its next game Wednesday against Ireland, which is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Australians in the opening Group B game. Nigeria will play Australia in Brisbane on Thursday.
SPAIN 3, COSTA RICA 0: With three goals in four minutes in the middle of a lopsided first half, Spain shattered Costa Rica’s resistance and created the foundation of a resounding win in Wellington, New Zealand.
Though it attacked relentlessly, Spain needed 22 minutes until it opened the scoring with an own goal. Aitana Bonmati cut the ball back across goal from the left and Valeria del Campo, attempting to clear, sliced the ball into her own net.
Bonmati scored herself a minute later, striking the ball hard and low from the edge of the box. Two minutes later, Esther Gonzalez was on hand to add the third.
SWITZERLAND 2, PHILIPPINES 0: Ramona Bachmann drilled the ball into the left side of the net on a penalty kick moments before halftime to help Switzerland beat the Philippines in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Seraina Piubel added a second-half goal, scoring on the rebound of a shot by Coumba Sow that ricocheted off Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
NOTES
ENGLAND: England captain Millie Bright has been cleared to start the Lionesses’ opener against Haiti on Saturday.
Bright injured her knee in Chelsea’s Champions League quarterfinal with Lyon in March, limiting her preparation time for the World Cup.
Injuries have plagued the Lionesses, who won the European Championship last year. Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Leah Wiliamson, who were all projected starters, have been ruled out.
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