If the Canadian women’s soccer squad is to reach the tournament final at the Tokyo Olympics, they’ll need to topple no less than the reigning world champions Americans in the quarterfinal on Monday in Kashima, Japan.
Head coach Bev Priestman’s players will certainly start the game in the role of the underdog. The two countries have crossed swords 61 times since 1986, most recently in the SheBelieves Cup opener in February 2021. The duel ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the United States. Canada also faced Uncle Sam’s country representatives in a 2017 home and away series, in which Canada tied at home before falling 3-1 to San Jose in the game. return.
“I’m really looking forward to this game,” Priestman said in a statement. Obviously, there is the Canada-United States rivalry that drives this group, but this clash is also the one that will help us change the color of the medal. I think that’s what motivates us more than anything. The players want to change soccer in Canada as they did by winning a bronze medal. It’s enough to push them to perform like never before. ”
A script to be written differently
In London 2012, Canada also faced the United States in the semi-finals. Captain Christine Sinclair had a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime backhand.
“We all remember that 2012 game. It was an incredible moment for Canadian soccer,” said midfielder Desiree Scott. But our team is different now. We have developed as a program, our type of soccer has really evolved. We are a more self-confident group and I believe our self-confidence will give us an advantage. In 2012 we were hoping to make it to the final, but now we believe in what we can do on a soccer field. We really believe we can make it to the gold medal game. ”
Canada has yet to lose since the competition began in Japan. A triumph will see him fight for the gold medal on Friday in Tokyo. Otherwise, she will play for bronze the day before in Kashima.
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