Zurrer proves worth in Cyprus Cup win over Netherlands

Emily Zurrer did her part to show women’s national team coach John Herdman that he was wrong to leave her off the roster for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers. Zurrer scored the deciding goal as Canada defeated the Netherlands Sunday at the Cyprus Cup, a win which ensured that Big Red will be off to the final. Zurrer, who was a starter for coach Carolina Morace at the World Cup, wasn’t part of the Canadian team that earned a spot at 2012 Olympics during the recent CONCACAF playdowns at B.C. Place. Herdman said Zurrer’s omission was a coach’s decision, but that he would remain open to bringing her back in the fold. Zurrer, back with the team for the Cyprus Cup, headed home a free kick from Sophie Schmidt to give Canada the goal it needed. Zurrer didn’t just score, she also made a last-ditch defensive tackle to strip the ball from Dutch striker Manon Melis. With the win, Canada ensures itself a spot in the Cyprus Cup final, where it will face France, the team which unravelled our national team at the World Cup. After a loss to the host Germans — which wasn’t a shock — the Canadians choked in what was targeted to be their biggest game of the group stage. The French crushed the Canadians 4-0, and sent the team into disarray. Earlier in the year, Herdman brought in Dr. Ceri Evans to work with the Canadian players on their mental toughness, and one of the key tasks was to help the members of the team get over the anguish of the World Cup. We will see how the Canadian women react when they see the famous blue French jerseys again. RELATED: Italians cry foul over Robyn Gayle’s match-winning goal for Canada (CLICK) Herdman selects women’s Canadian Olympic qualifying roster (CLICK)