'Brave' ref decision stirs up controversy in World Cup

Canada defender Josee Belanger (9) controls the ball against China defender Liu Shanshan (2) during the second half in a Group A soccer match in the 2015 women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, June 6, 2015. [Photo/Agencies & Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports]

EDMONTON, Canada - A stoppage-time penalty awarded to Canada that helped the hosts beat China 1-0 in the Women World Cup opener stirred up controversy Saturday.

The hosts were given the penalty when Adriana Leon fell after making contact with Chinese midfielder Zhao Rong at the 91st minute.

China coach Hao Wei questioned the referee's decision, saying "I am not sure that was a penalty."

"It's a real pity," said Hao Wei on the penalty.

"But we're here to play the game. We respect the referee's judgement. Whether it was a foul or not we'll have to watch the video replay."

Canada coach John Herdman applauded the penalty ruling by Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul.

"Well done to the referee. I think she made a very brave decision that many referees would have ignored," said Herdman.

"I'm glad we could sneak a win. We have the three points and are on the road.

"When that call went in, I nearly cried out. I am an emotional person," added the 39-year-old English.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) defined the opener match as "dramatic" in the headline that reads "Late Sinclair penalty gives Canada dramatic win over China."

"There was drama in store when Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul pointed to the spot in favour of Canada on 90 minutes," AFP reported.

Sinclair "converted a controversial penalty awarded for a foul on Adriana Leon by Zhao Rong in the box", AFP commented.

The Mississauga News described the penalty as the following: "The decisive penalty was called after Adriana Leon went down after contact with defender Zhao Rong".

BBC Sport reported the match with the title: "Controversial penalty gives Canada win."

"The game looked to be heading for a goalless conclusion until China's Zhao Rong was adjudged to have brought down Adriana Leon in the box in stoppage time," BBC Sport noted.

Despite the frustration, China's coach was confident his side could hit back in their next games against the Netherlands and New Zealand.

"I think within two days we will be able to regroup mentally to be able to challenge in our next games. I have no doubt about that."

Canada next play New Zealand on Thursday, and the Netherlands on Monday, June 15.