Christine Sinclair played her final game with Canada against Australia in Vancouver on Tuesday, and let’s just say she couldn’t have asked for a better scenario.
Before the game, Sinclair was honored by an entire stadium – and a nation – but that didn’t stop her from highlighting her teammates after her team’s 1-0 win.
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“I mean, I’m a competitor, so I feel good,” she told OneSoccer. We won the game and I’m super proud of the team. It’s just crazy.”
As she has often recalled, Sinclair said that she doesn’t really like being the center of attention. However, she made the most of this very special moment.
“These things are never my favorites, but I promised myself I would enjoy them and it was overwhelming. Being there with my nieces and seeing them experience that was just incredible.”
She also described her final moments with the team as “surreal.”
The only goal of the game came from a corner kick, but Canada coach Bev Priestman revealed that the strategy prepared for the occasion was to allow the 40-year-old to score. She actually touched the ball with her head, but the ball instead deflected towards Kadeisha Buchanan, who hit the crossbar. Then Quinn moved the ropes and took advantage of the return.
“We designed the game to try and create him [Sinclair] to score the goal, she announced in a post-match press conference. But it finally allowed us to score a goal.”
However, Priestman made no secret of his satisfaction, citing the good work of his players in making the event as memorable as possible.
“I have to congratulate all the players on their win tonight. That’s three wins and three shutouts in a row. We offered some legends [Sinclair et Sophie Schmidt, qui disputait aussi son dernier match avec le Canada] an incredible farewell.”
Thanks from Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also highlighted Sinclair’s journey on Tuesday on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
“Tonight the world’s leading scorer, Christine Sinclair, will take the field with Team Canada for the final time,” Trudeau wrote. @Sincy12, thank you for inspiring us. The contributions you have made to soccer and sport in Canada will long be celebrated.”
Tonight the world’s leading scorer, Christine Sinclair, will take the field for Team Canada for the last time. @Sincy12, thank you for inspiring us. The contributions you have made to soccer and sport in Canada will long be celebrated.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 6, 2023
However, the one who played for Canada for more than 20 years will not say goodbye to football forever. In fact, she plans to play the 2024 season with the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League.