For three years now, Canada head coach John Herdman has been pushing the idea that his team’s goal is to be in the Women’s World Cup final on July 5.
And while Canada sit atop Group A after two games, they’ve left lots of room for improvement in their 1-0 win over China and 0-0 draw with New Zealand. In order for Herdman’s projection to come to fruition, the team will need the stars to align from here on out.
Here are three things Canada will need, starting with Monday’s game against the Netherlands:
Christine Sinclair is, deservedly, a Canadian soccer legend. But she is also no longer at the peak of her powers. Fellow striker Melissa Tancredi had the tournament of her life at the 2012 Olympics – but hasn’t scored in 14 games for Canada since then.
Both of the veterans have had scoring opportunities from open play in Canada’s first two games, but haven’t been able to put them away. Canada have scored just two goals in their last five Women’s World Cup matches – and both were from set pieces.
Sinclair and Tancredi shone as Canada captured lightning in a bottle at London 2012. But unless one or both of them can recapture their knack for big-game scoring, Canada can’t reasonably expect a similar outcome at this World Cup.
It’s no coincidence that Canada have struggled to create incisive, dangerous scoring opportunities without midfield engine Diana Matheson. The veteran has been out since October with a torn ACL. She is on the Canadian roster and has been doing some training with the team, but there is no word on whether she’ll be fit to take part in this tournament.
Even if she can play, it may be too much to expect grand things from a player who’s just come off of major knee surgery. But if nothing else, a return to the lineup could provide the team with a valuable psychological spark. All Canadian fans should be asking the soccer gods to let Matheson see some time in this competition.
The kids are better than alright
Ashley Lawrence was a bit of a surprise starter against China, and she also went the full 90 against New Zealand. But Lawrence – whose 20th birthday coincided with the New Zealand game – has been one of Canada’s top performers thus far, showing lots of energy and more than rewarding Herdman’s faith in her.
Lawrence’s long-time teammate and friend, Kadeisha Buchanan, has been her regular self in defense – which is to say, remarkably tough and composed for a 19-year-old. Rising star Jessie Fleming saw some time as a substitute against China, but the 17-year-old midfielder could yet have an impact to make in this competition.
These three represent the future of the Canadian program. But if Canada have hopes of hitting the podium at this tournament, they’ll need the young trio to continue playing far beyond their years.
