Canada will be looking to solidify its grip on first place with a win against Colombia Friday at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand (CBCSports.ca, 8 p.m. ET).
The Canadian women currently top Group A with three points after registering a 1-0 win over host New Zealand in their opening game of the competition.
Denmark and Colombia are tied for second (one point apiece), while the Kiwis (no points) are in last place.
The 16-team field is divided into four round-robin groups, with the top two teams in each advancing to the quarter-finals, so Canada can book its spot in the final eight with a win over the Colombians if Denmark fails to defeat New Zealand in Friday's other Group A game.
In the opening game of the competition, Canada and New Zealand were deadlocked at the half despite a number of scoring chances at both ends. The Kiwis were on the attack in the 14th minute as 15-year-old forward Rosie White forced Canadian goalkeeper Genevieve Richard to make a quick diving save.
Canada responded just before halftime when midfielder Nkem Ezurike nearly opened the scoring but was stopped by New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson. Esson dove to her left to stymie Ezurike and keep the Canadians off the board.
Seven minutes into the second half, the Canadians took the lead when Rachel Lamarre finished off a solo run with a shot from 20 yards away. The Kiwis hit the crossbar and kept intense pressure on the Canadians in an unsuccessful bid to even the score.
"The players felt the pressure of the [first] match," Canadian coach Bryan Rosenfeld said after the win. "I am very proud of them coming out with three important points."
Canada closes out the first round with a game against Denmark on Nov. 4.
The tournament final is scheduled for Nov. 16 in Auckland.
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