Canada
The Canadian women’s football team are in a good spot coming into their seventh World Cup in a row. Whilst often overshadowed by fierce North American rivals USA, Canada have achieved more than their fair share of superb accolades with two Olympic bronze medals sitting alongside two CONCACAF Championships. What Canada build upon is doing the simple things right, with a solid and rigid defence complementing a direct and no nonsense attack.
Pace and power are traits required by all Canadian players and this athleticism is often what generates early chances for their ever-present captain and striker Christine Sinclair. The Canadians have accomplished some monumental victories since the start of 2018 including victories over World Cup adversaries Scotland, Japan, Brazil, Jamaica and Norway. More recently a 1-0 victory over England proved that the Canadians are stronger than ever in the lead up to the 2019 World Cup. With such an excellent run of results against a diverse range of quality opponents, Canada are primed to go deep into this tournament.
PREDICTION: Group: 2nd Prediction: Round of 16
Fact: One of the greatest sporting rivalries in history, Canada vs USA is truly always a great spectacle when it occurs. Whilst the rivalry may not be deemed competitive in terms of results, with Canada failing to be victorious in dozens of attempts since 2001, the fixtures have a great atmosphere and superb worldwide support. None more than the 2012 Olympic Games semi-final which saw an excellent hat-trick from an inspired Canadian captain Christine Sinclair rubbed out by a controversial refereeing decision. The Canadian keeper was deemed to have been holding the ball too long, a rule that is utilised about as often as we see Halley’s Comet. Nonetheless the USWNT came away with the victory and the Canadian team have been hungry for revenge ever since.
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