Canada Soccer – Canada have qualified for the 2017 IFPCF World Championships in Argentina after a 10:0 win in Denmark. Canada booked their spot after a second-consecutive 10:0 win, first beating Denmark on Friday 29 July and then beating Finland on Saturday 30 July at the 2016 IFCPF Qualification Tournament in Vejen.

MATCH CENTRE : CANADA 10:0 FINLAND

Canada will face Japan on Monday 1 August to determine who wins the group, as both sides have six points after two matches. Both Canada and Japan have already qualified for Argentina 2017, with Canada in first place (six points, +20), Japan in second (six points, +4), Denmark in third place (no points, -11), and Finland in fourth place (no points, -13).

“All the guys are very proud to play for Canada,” said Drew Ferguson, Canada Soccer’s National Para Soccer Team Head Coach. “Our goal was to qualify for the World Championships, so we are very happy.”

After two matches, teenager and captain Samuel Charron leads the incredible goal-scoring attack with six goals (back-to-back hat tricks). Other goalscorers are Matthew Brown (four), Liam Stanley (four), Jamie Ackinclose (two), Lucas Bruno (two), Nicholas Heffernan, and Raji Kamoun. Damien Wojtiw has posted two clean sheets while Vito Proietti leads the team with four assists.

“Samuel Charron and Liam Stanley have matured so much: they are two of the best teenagers in the world,” said Ferguson. “These young kids stepped up and took control of the game.”

From 13 nations at Vejen 2016 in Denmark, eight will qualify for next year’s 16-nation IFCPF World Championships in Argentina (with eight nations previously qualified in 2015). In Denmark, the top-two nations from each group will qualify for Argentina 2017. Following the 2016 group phase, Canada will play in the Quarterfinals on 3 August.

Canada’s Para Soccer Team competes in several global competitions over a four-year cycle, including the International Federation of CP Football’s biennial World Championships. Canada also strives to compete in the America’s Cup, the Parapanamerican Games, and the Paralympic Games.

In past editions of the IFCPF World Championships, Canada finished 10th in 2015, 12th in 2011, 9th in 2009, 12th in 2007, and 11th in 2005. The next edition takes place in 2017, with the qualification tournament in July-August 2016 in Vejen, Denmark.

Canada’s Para Soccer Team is made up of athletes who have cerebral palsy or have had a stroke or brain injury.

Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at canadasoccer.com

Richard Scott
Men’s National Teams
rscott@canadasoccer.com
m. +1 613.818.0305

Carrie Croft
Women’s National Teams
ccroft@canadasoccer.com
m. +1 613.406.4986

Brad Fougere
Digital and Corporate Communications
bfougere@canadasoccer.com