The question was simple. There, in the heartbroken aftermath of an 0:1 loss to Mexico in the group stage of the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship, Canadian coach Bryan Rosenfeld stopped his players in the dressing room and asked them a simple question.

What would you give up?

Canada had just finished second place in its group, thus charging itself with the seemingly insurmountable task of facing USA in the semi-final stage. This was the very USA that had outscored its opponents 32-0 in three previous matches. The very USA that, just one night earlier, Canadian players had watched on television pulverize a decent Costa Rica side, 10:0.

On the line was not just a place in the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship final, but also a ticket to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2010. There would be no second chances as there had been two years earlier when three teams - instead of two - advanced to the world stage. If Canada were to qualify, it would have to beat the heavily favoured USA.

So coach Rosenfeld kept his players in the dressing room after the Mexico loss, with the stadium staff eagerly waiting to shut the lights and close the building. Rosenfeld had a message to get across before anyone was to go home. He asked his players, 'what would you give up to go to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup?'

The players looked up to their coach and bought in. They handed in their laptops, ceased all contact with their outside friends and family, and even put away their school studies for three steady days of preparation. They became believers in themselves and learned the coaching staff’s game plan to a T. They found strength in themselves and their teammates.

Come Thursday night, Canada’s bus ride to the stadium was unlike any that preceded it. The team was quiet, focused, and seemingly relaxed. Then from kickoff, Canada showed that it was also unlike any of the three previous opponents that USA had seen in the competition.

The Canadian team was strong, courageous, and hell bent on qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The players gave it up and achieved what they wanted to do. They qualified for Trinidad and Tobago 2010 on kicks from the penalty mark, an incredible achievement following 120 minutes of scoreless play with the reigning world semi finalist. They proved to themselves and to the world that nothing should ever stand in the way of your dreams and goals.