Canada book spot in final

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:Canada qualified for their first CONCACAF Under-17 Championship final yesterday afternoon, when a first-half strike by Luca Gasparotto gave them a hard-fought 1-0 win against Panama, in their semi-final showdown at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James.

"I came into the game worried that it would be difficult to lift the players after their success of qualifying for the World Cup, but they played okay today," said Canada's coach, Sean Fleming.

"This is new territory for us because we have never been to the final before," he added.

squandered opportunities

In a keenly contested game, Panama, despite soaking up early pressure, enjoyed greater possession but squandered the opportunities that came their way. In fact, in one of the many attacks, Angel Vargas struck the upright from close range.

Nevertheless, Canada took an early lead in the 10th minute as Gasparotto leapt high for a corner kick and directed a powerful header out of the reach of goalkeeper Ivan Picart, making the score 1-0.

Panama should have drawn level in the 35th minute when they got the easiest of chances. Darwin Pinzon crossed to Eric Francisco inside the goal area, but he fumbled and lost possession.

Going into the half-time break, Canada got back-to-back chances in the 40th and 42nd minutes. First, the wily Keven Aleman had his shot blocked by the goalkeeper and secondly, Sadi Jalali fired straight at the goalkeeper from six yards.

Panama started the second half all out in attack and came close in the 56th minute when a powerful long-range shot by Vargas struck the upright and flew wide of the goal.