VANCOUVER -- Kadeisha Buchanan sometimes has to pinch herself.
Matt Miazga Jersey UK . The 18-year-old
defender with Canadas womens soccer team was always confident in her ability,
but she never thought her rise would happen this fast. "I did not expect to come
in at such a young age," the Toronto native said this week. "Sometimes when Im
in my room I just relax (and think) Im actually here. This is a huge opportunity
that Im willing to take and do my best." After scoring her first goal with the
national team in a 1-1 draw with the United States last month, Buchanan will get
another chance to show off her talents when Canada hosts Germany in another
friendly on Wednesday night. And as Canada continues its preparations ahead of
hosting next years womens World Cup, Buchanan has fit in seamlessly with the
national team after impressing at lower levels. "I dont think its difficult
because my teammates just encourage me to bring what I bring to the team," said
Buchanan. "Theyre very accepting to what I bring." Canada head coach John
Herdman said Buchanan -- who will play at this summers under-20 womens World Cup
on home soil -- has impressed him ever since he first saw her at an under-17
camp in 2011. "She was just streets ahead of anything Id seen before," said the
Englishman. "We didnt fancy taking her to the (2012) Olympics because she was
15. She probably could have handled it, to be honest. Shes that good." Herdman
said Buchanans versatility is what has made her such an effective player in 13
appearances for her country, including 11 starts. "Weve challenged all the
senior players to start showing the DNA of a modern centre back, and a modern
centre back can play like a midfielder," he said. "They can disguise their
passes, they have a range of different types of passes and they can defend.
These younger players have been able to do that. Kadeishas never given her shirt
back." Canada comes into Wednesdays game at B.C. Place Stadium ranked seventh in
the world by FIFA, while the Germans sit No. 2 behind only the Americans.
Herdmans team lost 1-0 in Germany last year in game that saw Canada defend well,
but fail to get much going offensively. With less than a year until the World
Cup, he wants to see more positive play as the team continues to build towards
the showcase tournament. "We have to shift forward pretty quickly on how we
attack the game. I think thats been a big emphasis over the last couple of
days," said Herdman. "Last time we played against Germany we defended well, we
hung on for 90 minutes, kept it within one goal. But we definitely didnt
threaten them in a way that, if youre going to win a World Cup, you have to. "Im
hoping that were a bit more lively. The game might be a bit more open and they
might get a few more chances to score because were trying to change a few things
in the way we go about how we play. Judge us on the amount of shots, crosses we
have in the game and that will give an idea of how weve progressed against
Germany." Canadian captain Christine Sinclair said Wednesdays game is crucial as
the team looks to see where it stacks up against the worlds best on the field
that will host next years final. "This is a huge preparation game for us," said
the veteran striker. "Obviously a World Cup venue and were playing the
second-ranked team in the world. I dont think many people understand that. They
just see the Americans. Germany is a quality side. "Its a completely different
test for us." Herdman has tried to implement a more free-flowing system since
Canadas bronze-medal performance at the London Olympics two years ago, and
despite that 1-1 draw with the U.S. in May, Sinclair said the players still have
a ways to go. "I think consistency for us right now is very important. Were
coming off a decent result against the Americans," she said. "Its important for
us to be able to put together another one against another top side because thats
whats going to be expected in the World Cup." While Canada has continued to
produce good young talent in defence and midfield, the country still relies
heavily on the 31-year-old Sinclair for goal scoring. Herdman said the national
team is constantly trying to identify and develop talent in the attacking third,
but it has not come easy. "You have to be ready to have a talent system where
you have a profile, you know what that profile is and players then develop from
the age of 13 on to fit that profile," he said. "I think thats not what weve
done in the past. We havent had a very clear profile. "Its going to take time,
but with the talent weve got, another (Sinclair) is going to pop up soon."
Herdman said he expects Germany to present its usual well-organized defence on
Wednesday, adding that his side will have to be clever in attack if its going to
defeat the European giants for the first time. "Its got to be a high-tempo,
possession game and weve got to have players with the technical capacity to work
against that German block," he said. "There isnt a better defensive unit. Theyre
physical, they move collectively together on every blade of grass, theyre so
hard to break down. Its a huge challenge. "Youre going to see one of the best
teams in the world here -- a huge challenge ahead of us." A year out from the
World Cup, another huge challenge will be how Canada deals with the pressure
that is already starting to mount as tournament hosts. But its something Herdman
said both he and the players will relish. "When you come into a job like this,
at the end of the day my role is to help these girls fulfil their dreams," said
Herdman. "They want to win a World Cup here. I think collectively we all feel a
bit of pressure that we dont want to let the country down, but were just going
towards it, embracing it. "Its what gets us out of bed in the morning. We look
it as our opportunity and not a curse. As soon as it becomes a curse, then you
lose sight of why you come to work."
John Obi Mikel Chelsea Jersey UK . Sizemore,
who turned 29 on Jan. 4, has been limited to six games over the past two seasons
because of an injured left knee that twice required surgery. He originally got
hurt on Feb. 25, 2012, during a fielding drill in Oaklands first full-squad
spring training workout and had surgery that March 21 to repair a torn anterior
cruciate ligament.
Oscar Chelsea Jersey UK . Mickelson shot a
2-under 70 after opening with a 77 -- his worst score of the season -- on TPC
San Antonios AT&T Oaks Course. Lefty was 11 strokes behind leader
Steven Bowditch, the Australian who had a 67 to reach 8-under 136.SEVILLE, Spain
- A second straight day of rain has forced more delays to the Fed Cup match
between Spain and the Czech Republic. The World Group first round series will
now continue Monday with Spain leading 1-0. Earlier Sunday, Czech Klara
Zakopalova led the second singles match against Maria Torro-Flor 6-3, 2-0.
Weather permitting, the teams will also play reverse singles and a doubles match
if necessary on the red clay court on Monday.
Michy Batshuayi Chelsea Jersey UK. Rain and
strong wind in Seville caused a four-hour delay before Carla Suarez beat Barbora
Zahlavova 6-1, 6-4 to give Spain the only point of the match so far.
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