Canada, America qualify for Beijing Olympics

(BEIJING, April 9) -- The Canadian national women's football team successfully booked its ticket to the Olympic Games on Wednesday after edging host Mexico 1-0 in the semi-finals of the Central America, Caribbean and North America qualifying tournament. The United States also qualified for the Olympics by beating Costa Rica 3-0 in the other semi-final.

Canada scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute. Mexico nearly equalized with a good opportunity in the second half, but Canada's goal keeper was equal to the task, maintaining the shut-out.

For the Canadians, this was sweet revenge. The rivals also met in the 2004 Athens Olympic qualifying round, with Mexico besting Canada in that match by a score of 2-1.

With Olympic qualification already decided, Canada will play the US in the final on Saturday, April 12, for the tournament title.