Christine Sinclair scores golazo in leading Canada women to Rio Olympics

Christine Sinclair is not washed up.

Head coach John Herdman wanted to make that point loud and clear after Sinclair scored two goals, including a spectacular left-footed strike, to lead the Canada women's national team to a 3-1 win over Costa Rica and a spot in the 12-team Summer Olympics field in Rio de Janeiro.

"She's class. All those people who had written her off at the World Cup …," a smiling Herdman said of his 32-year-old striker. "All I know is that when you ask her to deliver, she delivers. She was injured tonight playing. What a performance.

"Stick with her Canada. We're going to Rio."

First, Canada advances to Sunday's final of the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Championship at Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium, where it will meet the winner of Friday's second semifinal between the United States and Trinidad & Tobago. The finalists earn automatic berths to the Rio Games.

"I hope the team can count on me in big games," said Sinclair, who scored two goals in the 2015 Women's World Cup hosted by a Canada team that was eliminated in the quarterfinals. "I pride myself being ready to play in these big games."

Sinclair made sure the Canadians got to punch their ticket for a third straight trip to the Summer Olympics. She scored the 160th goal of her career in the 17th minute, controlling right back Josée Bélanger's cross at the top of the 6-yard box and volleying the ball past goalkeeper Dinnia Diaz.

But it was her second goal in the 52nd minute that made jaws drop.

A poor clearance in the box by Costa Rica's Diana Saenz sent the ball straight into the air. Sinclair beat Saenz to the ball, shielded the defender, flicked the ball up with her right boot and then spun to hit it with her left. Her superb skill sent the ball off the cross bar and past Diaz's outstretched glove for a 2-0 Canada lead.

A questionable penalty call on Canada's Desiree Scott allowed Costa Rica to get back in the game, Raquel Rodriguez converting from the spot to make it 2-1.

Canada pushed for the clinching goal and finally got it in the 85th minute from Deanne Rose.

"That was like a whole team performance," Sinclair said. "Costa Rica came out a much-improved team. They tested us like no team has tested us so far."