Olympic Gold medalists Canada Women’s team now aim for the big prize to retain North American dominance but break the hold of rivals United States in the World Cup. Priestman’s side are one of the top contenders going to the tournament amid facing off-field issues with their federation. This will also be the last Women’s World Cup for Canada’s inspiring legends, Sophie Schmidt and Christine Sinclair.
History
This will be the seventh appearance for Canada at the Women’s World Cup after not qualifying for the first edition back in 1991. The best rank they managed at the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2003 at their rival’s ground in the USA. Four of those tournaments have ended with a group-stage finish. The CONCACAF giant in women’s football also hosted the competition back in 2015 with their campaign ending in the quarterfinal. In the previous edition, Canada managed to escape the group stages but a Stina Blackstenius goal helped Sweden edge them 1-0 in the last 16. The team also lost to the Netherlands in the final group game after picking up wins against Cameroon and New Zealand.
Qualification to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Canada came out winners of their group in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted by Australia and New Zealand. They also reached the final of the tournament only to be beaten narrowly by USA. Julia Grosso won the Golden Boot with three goals.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
A series of friendlies were lined up for Canada with one still to play in closed doors against Euro winners England a week before the event kicks off. Beverly Priestman’s side played four friendlies this year and managed to win just once compared to five out of six matches prior. They also scored only three times in that period while letting in seven goals. That is not a good read for a side hoping to go deeper into the tournament.
Canada Women’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Sabrina D’Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (SCU Torreense), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave)
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham Hotspur), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Ashley Lawrence (PSG), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Gabrielle Carle (Kristianstads DFF)
Midfielders: Quinn (OL Reign), Simi Awujo (University of Southern California), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash)
Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloé Lacasse (Benfica), Adriana Leon (Portland Thorns), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (Reading), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstads DFF), Olivia Smith (Penn State)
Head Coach: Beverly Priestman
Janine Beckie is absent from the Canada squad as she is among the several star name missing the tournament due to an ACL injury. Played at three World Cups before, Desiree Scott did not make the final squad from the provisional list having gone through surgery on her knee injury. Nicknamed the Destroyer, Scott won 186 caps for the national team and expressed her disappointment on social media. Nichelle Prince has been included even though she is recovering from an Achilles injury. Deanne Rose also make the roster after a long injury layoff while Gabrielle Carle and Jade Rose were not so fortunate. Midfielder Marie-Yasmine Alidou and forward Clarissa Larisey did not make the final squad. Shelina Zadorsky and Jayde Riviere also recovered from their respective injuries to be on the plane for the Women’s World Cup. 17 players among the 25 in the squad won the gold at the Olympics. International football’s all-time highest goal-scorer Christine Sinclair is named for her sixth World Cup.
Strength
Canada’s main strength will be their solidity at the back and team unity both of which earned them the gold medal at the Olympics two years ago. Their defence contains serial names like Kadeisha Buchanan who has been excellent throughout for her club Chelsea and Vanessa Gill of Lyon committed to building a strong partnership at the back. There is good balance in the midfield as well. Retaining the core of the squad and having a major tournament-winning experience is key as well to strengthen the bond between the players. The frontline will also be ready to make their presence felt.
Weakness
Even having a decent squad, the absence of certain key members of the team will be felt. Especially Janine Beckie out through an ACL injury. Coach Priestman already declared that she will be ‘impossible’ to replace. Furthermore, the gold medalists are in a rough patch of form going into the tournament with almost no momentum in hand. Even though they have two easy games to begin with and recollect momentum at the Women’s World Cup but the inefficiency to battle bigger sides will still be a problem for them. At times their goal threat gets diluted focusing too much on defence which will not put the side on front-foot on given time.
Key Player: Christine Sinclair
Without the injured Janie Beckie in the squad that is more youthful than ever and Nichelle Prince only getting up to speed from her injury, Sinclair will have even more responsibility on her shoulders. Potentially her last World Cup at the age of 40, the living legend is hopeful to roll down the years again. Sinclair has scored the most goals for Canada in this competition with 10 goals in 21 matches. Her overall status in the sport serves as a big inspiration to the squad. Her teammates will be motivated as well to give her the perfect send-off. Sinclair’s experience and leadership are essential for the team to not kneel down during tough situations.
How will Canada Lineup at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Canada FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Group B
Australia
Canada
Nigeria
Ireland
Fixtures
Friday, 21 July 2023
Nigeria vs Canada - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne (08:00)
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
Canada vs Ireland - Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth (17:30)
Monday, 31 July 2023
Canada vs Australia - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne (3:30)
Prediction
Canada does not have an easy road ahead if they do not top their group ahead of co-hosts and slight favorites Australia. They are likely to face England in the last 16 if they finish less than that. It will be a colossal tie and the one might end their competition. Facing the in-form Euro champions will be too bigger of a task for this injury ravaged squad. The Olympic Gold medalist have to come up with a plan to sustain themselves in the competition.
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