Canada halted the fairytale run of Italy with a 3-1 win in the semi-final of the World Series in Kuala Lumpur,
The North Americans were dominant in the match will well over 65 percent of possession.
The win gives Canada a place in the pre Olympic qualifiers playoffs that will be held on October 25 and November 3
“ For the most part we remained calm even though they took the lead,” said Scott Tupper.
“ We were confident as we dominated the match,
“ We need to use a couple of hours advantage we will have over the other finalist.
“ We are going out to enjoy the atmosphere no matter who we meet in the final.”
Canada won the first penalty corner of the match in the 12 Tg minute and Italy keeper Francesco Padovsni pulled off a good save from the drag flick of James Kirkpatrick .
Upon resumption of the second quarter, Francois Sior broke through the middle but pulled his shot just wide of David Carter’s goal.
After coming close from the first penalty corner. Italy struck from their second penalty corner.
Peitro Lago deflected in the ball on the right, giving Carter and Scott Tipper on the goal line to put Italy 1-0 ahead.
At halftime, Italy led Canada 1-0.
Canada was back in level terms through a Sukhi Panesar goal in the 32nd minute.
Scott Tupper cane close through their fifth penalty corner, the ball missing the goal by mere inches.
The turning point came when Italy was reduced to 10 men with Thomas Keenan being yellow carded in the 36th minute and that forced Italy to defend for the next 10 minutes.
Another penalty corner, this time by Gordon Johnson was wasted by Canada.
After missing eight penalty corners. Canada made their ninth count with Johnston scoring in the 43rd minute.
And with Italy throwing numbers upfront to search for the equalizer, Canada scored their third goal through Oliver Scholfield in the final seconds to make the final score 3-1.
