Gary Adams, the Bermuda under-17 girls football coach, is calling for his team to maintain composure as they prepare to take on giants Canada in the Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers on Wednesday.

Bermuda recorded a 4-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in their first match in Group F on Monday and a win would send them to the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship, but their hopes depend on beating Canada, who sent out an ominous warning when thumping the host nation 21-0 last Saturday.

Nothing less than a win will do for Bermuda with goal difference being used to decide who progresses in the event of the teams finishing level on points, but Adams is focusing on the game and not on the prize for winning.

“When we play Canada, we need to have more composure on the ball going forward,’’ Adams said.

“We need to be more clinical and take advantage of any opportunities that we may get. We’re very aware that Canada are favourites in the group and obviously one of the strongest teams in the region, so it's a great opportunity for our players to challenge themselves physically, mentally and as a team.

“That’s the beautiful thing about football, on the field everybody has a chance. We are aware Canada will be organised, we know that they will be fit and athletic for the whole game and they will be consistent.

We expect them to be organised and look to attack, look to retain the ball more than us, so we will need a full team effort.

“We should show no fear when we have the ball. We need to attack and we need to make sure that we don’t just sit there and allow them to dictate the game. We need to step forward and take our chances because we will get chances. We need to stay disciplined and work together.

“We’re not naive to their capabilities so nobody is scared. Just like in any game we respect the qualities that the other team has. Same thing with Dominican Republic, same with Canada. Right now the girls are in good spirits after the win and excited by the challenge.

“It’s a one-off game and it’s winner takes all but all we can do is ask our girls to give an honest account of themselves and do themselves and the country proud. They’re under no illusions that Canada is favourite and a powerhouse but everybody is calm .”

Adams is satisfied with the win over the Dominican Republic and praised his support staff, Kimmisha Perenchief, Aaron Lugo, Aaron Denkins and Julesa Robinson for ensuring the players do not suffer from dehydration in the heat.

“We’ve got an excellent support staff for these girls to train through the summer,” Adams said.

“They ensure that the girls continue being hydrated and keep on a proper routine. We try to give them the best platform to perform by supporting them and making sure that we cater to their physical needs.

“It puts us in a position to have a chance and getting that first win is a good first step. I’m pretty pleased that we scored some goals and we created enough chances that with some more composure we could have had more.”