After defeating Costa Rica on Thursday night, Canada is one victory away from qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Canadians are perfect through three group stage games at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, which doubles as the region's qualifier for next year's tournament in France. Pre-tournament favourites in Group B, the fifth-ranked Canadians defeated Jamaica and demolished Cuba before Thursday's match in Edinburg, Texas. With a spot in the semifinals on the line, Canada cruised to a 3-1 victory over the Costa Ricans on goals by Nichelle Prince, Janine Beckie and Christine Sinclair.
Christine Sinclair is only 10 goals from claiming the all-time lead after scoring against Costa Rica. pic.twitter.com/FarqjB2Xkw
— SN Canada Soccer (@SN_CA_Soccer) October 12, 2018
The win boosted Canada to top spot in the group, earning Kenneth Heiner-Møller's squad a spot in the knockout round against surprise semifinalist Panama on Sunday. In addition to moving on to the tournament final, the winner of Sunday's match also clinches a spot in next summer's Women's World Cup.