Canada player scores gorgeous one-touch goal from the edge of the box in final game before World Cup
Canada, which will host the tournament, won the bronze at the 2012 Olympics and is expected to compete in the knockout stages at this World Cup.
Schmidt, a 26-year-old midfielder, is one of the leaders of the team that's currently ranked 8th in the world. In the 23rd minute against England, she hit a pass to the top of the box perfectly, placed it in the top corner (via r/worldcup):
The goalie had no chance:
In a recent article in the Province, Schmidt revealed that she has become the loudest voice on the team in recent months. She said that coach John Herdman even gave her free reign to change formations on the fly herself.
"John was like, 'You guys changed formations. What happened? Who did that?' And I was like, 'If it was good, it was me,'" she said.
Canada lost all three games and finished last in its group at the 2011 World Cup. They haven't made the knockout stages since 2003. But with the success of the 2012 team, the effect of homefield advantage, and a more friendly tournament format, Canada should be a contender this time around.