Sinclair: I had faith in 'fearless' Beckie to take penalty vs. Sweden
Christine Sinclair has no regrets after relinquishing a chance to potentially keep Canada's quest to win the Women's World Cup alive during Monday's defeat in France.
Canada bowed out of the tournament after falling 1-0 to Sweden in the round of 16 in a match that could have been Sinclair's last at the World Cup.
Janine Beckie had a golden opportunity to equalize when she stepped up to take a penalty in the 69th minute. Her strike was ultimately turned away by 'keeper Hedvig Lindahl, who also denied Sinclair from the spot during the Algarve Cup in March.
The Canadian soccer icon revealed she offered Beckie the opportunity to bring Canada level and insisted she's at peace with her decision.
"She said, 'Absolutely.' I feel bad for even asking her, but I have all the faith in the world in her, we all do," Sinclair told reporters, according to Reuters.
"She’s fearless out there and I asked her after the game if she placed it where she wanted to and she said, 'Yes.' Then you can’t do anything more, the keeper made a world-class save and you have to tip your hat to her."
Despite admitting she felt devastated after the match, Beckie said she's grateful for the opportunity to represent her country at the World Cup.
"No matter what, we believe in one another," she said on Twitter. "In the midst of the devastation, I felt last night, I can’t help but be immensely grateful for my teammates and what we have created with one another and this incredible staff. No one will ever understand it, but we do.
"I can’t help but feel so grateful for the outpouring of support and love from our families, friends, and fans. It is my greatest honor and pleasure to represent Canada on the biggest stage and I know this is just the start of something much bigger.
"It’s in those moments of the game that we are reminded of why we do what we do and work so incredibly hard for it. I am so proud. Rest assured, we will be back."
Elimination in the last 16 represents Canada's worst performance at the Women's World Cup since 2011 when the country was knocked out during the group stage.