Canada’s women over 50 secured a bronze medal at the World Nations Cup of walking soccer by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout in Torrevieja, Spain. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time, with Pauline Fisher scoring for Canada in the first half and Australia equalizing in the second half.
The intense game went into a penalty shootout where goalkeeper Fatima Harris became the hero by converting a crucial spot-kick, leading Canada to a 2-1 victory. Defender Negar Farjadnia described the emotional moment of celebration after Harris’s decisive goal.
Harris, who had an impressive performance throughout the tournament with three clean sheets and two penalty saves, is now in contention for the Golden Glove award. Canada concluded the group stage with a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual champions France in the semifinals, Canada showcased a strong performance, almost equalizing in stoppage time with a free kick. This marked Canada’s first appearance in the women’s division of the World Nations Cup.
Farjadnia expressed pride in representing Canada on a global platform, emphasizing the values of peace and unity. The tournament, organized by the Federation of International Walking Football Associations, featured teams from 21 countries across various age categories.
England dominated the competition by winning five out of six titles but faced a tough challenge in the women’s over 50 final against France. Coach Greg Mitchell commended the competitive spirit of the women’s division, highlighting the growing popularity of walking soccer worldwide.