CONCACAF

August 17, 2003 Golden goal against Canada gives Brazil Gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games Samba Queens dance to gold The stunning goal sent a young Canada team home with a silver medal, while Mexico beat Argentina 4-1 for the bronze. The gold medal match between the two was due to be played on Thursday the 14th of August, but a torrential rain storm caused the contest to be abandoned within a half hour of kick-off. Playing instead the next day, the two sides were far more evenly matched than in their group encounter when the Samba Queens danced over the Canucks 5-0. The favoured Brazilians looked strongest and drew first blood, as Miraildes Mota opened the scoring just a minute before half-time. Despite fielding a very inexperienced team, with twelve of their players under 18-years old, the Canadians fought back bravely and drew even through Kristina Kiss in the 66th minute. A give away to start off the sudden death period led to a long pass that found a streaking Christiane, who sealed the match with remarkable aplomb and handed the tournament crown to the South Americans.   The Brazilians ended up going through the competition unbeaten, with a 14-2 goal ratio. Canada suffered two losses, both to Brazil, but they beat Mexico 3-2 in the semi-final to finish second.