Canada established the pattern early. The report credits the visitors with 68% possession and a 28-4 advantage in shots, figures that underline how rarely Costa Rica threatened in attack.
The key point was not simply the final margin. Canada’s control meant Costa Rica spent long periods defending without a reliable route out, while the visitors continued to recycle possession and attack from different areas.
Janine Sonis reportedly became the decisive figure, completing a hat-trick as Canada pulled away after half-time. Her penalty in the 54th minute came shortly after Maria Paula Coto was sent off for violent conduct, according to the report.
The dismissal tilted an already difficult match further in Canada’s favour. The visitors are reported to have scored four times in the second half, with Jordyn Huitema adding a late goal and Mimi Alidou completing the scoring in stoppage time.
For Costa Rica, the red card removed any prospect of a sustained response. For Canada, it provided an opportunity to maintain intensity and test how effectively the team could exploit a numerical advantage.
The next storyline is whether Canada can carry this level of control into a more competitive fixture. Sonis’ reported hat-trick will draw attention, but the broader marker is the team’s ability to dominate possession, create volume and turn territorial pressure into goals.