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Canada is more than just surprised by its dramatic run in the Women's World Cup.
``Going into the tournament we had high goals,'' forward Christine Sinclair said. ``But to actually do it, it is pretty unbelievable.''
Canada had never won a World Cup match going into the competition, and now the team -- brimming with confidence, not to mention momentum -- is headed to the semifinal round against Sweden on Sunday.
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The Canadians advanced with a 1-0 victory over China on Thursday night.
On Friday, the team was back at work, practicing at a suburban elementary school. A group of children watched from bleachers as a documentary film crew buzzed about. Ticketmaster
``This is a dream come true,'' Sinclair said.
She's familiar with big tournaments. As a sophomore last season, she led the University of Portland to the NCAA title with an overtime victory over Santa Clara.
Sinclair scored both goals in the 2-1 upset, giving Portland its first national title.
Portland was coached by Clive Charles, the former Olympic men's coach who died this summer after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Charles' number, from when he played for the Portland Timbers soccer team, hangs from the rafters at Portland's PGE Park, where Canada beat China and will face Sweden. Ticketmaster
``The first time I walked in there -- it was very emotional,'' said Sinclair, taking time off from school to play for her national team. ``It's pretty cool. It means he's watching over us.''
Canada entered the tournament ranked 12th out of 16 teams and never had finished higher than 10th in World Cup competition. But, after losing to Germany in the first game, the Canadians beat Argentina and Japan to advance to the quarterfinals.
Known for height and strength, Canada outmuscled China and won it on Charmaine Hooper's early header. While China was technically proficient, Canada expects Sweden's style to be much like it own: physical.
``They have a tremendous team, and I've said for a long time that Sweden is one of the teams that could win this tournament,'' said Canada coach Even Pellerud. ``They have really impressed coming back from their loss against USA in their first game, and they look stronger and stronger and stronger.'' Ticketmaster
Canada will be without defender Isabelle Morneau, who injured her left knee during the game against China. The team had already lost defenders Breanna Boyd and Candace Chapman to injuries.
Germany routed Russia 7-1 in the other quarterfinal match Thursday at PGE Park, advancing to its semifinal game against the United States.
The U.S. women beat Norway 1-0 and Sweden defeated Brazil 2-1 in Wednesday's quarterfinal matches at Foxboro, Mass.
Canada was exuberant in Friday's practice, the women smiling and cheering each other on during light drills. Ticketmaster
Afterward, they gathered around equipment manager Jamie Fales and handed him a razor. Fales had vowed that if the team made it to the semifinals, he'd shave the mustache he's worn since 1977.
The mustache came off to the applause of the team. Fales promised to shave his head if Canada wins the World Cup.
If Canada's play matches its confidence, he might have to. Ticketmaster
``We feel we can beat Sweden,'' Brittany Timko said. ``And we feel we can beat whoever comes out of the other semifinal.''