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With the FIFA Women’s World Cup beginning this Saturday, we look at the teams in Group A; which players could shine and help their nation to progress to the knockout stages and beyond.
CANADA – 12/1
Coach John Herdman took over from Carolina Morace in 2011 and led Canada to their first ever Gold medal at the Pan-American games in 2014, which is an unprecedented success for the Canucks.
As hosts, Canada did not have to take part in CONCACAF Championship to qualify for the World Cup, so to keep the squad competitive, Coach John Herdman oversaw his Canucks in the 2014 Cyprus Cup where they finished 5th. They also took part in several friendlies, including an impressive 1-1 draw against neighbours the United States as well as a 1-0 win over England in Moncton.
With several experienced players at the coach’s disposal, the Englishman will be looking to Diana Matheson, Kaylyn Kyle, Sophie Schmidt and Brittany Baxter to provide attacking support to the Canadian’s Captain and all-time goal-scorer Christine Sinclair. Also with Erin McLeod and Karina LeBlanc contesting for the Number One spot and Defenders Emily Zurrer, Camelina Moscato and Rhian Wilkinson all available, Herdman can depend on his defence to stand strong against their group A opponents.
Canada will be making their sixth appearance at the World Cup Finals, with their best performance being a fourth placed finish in USA 2003, the only occasion where they escaped the group stages. With the home support, Canada will be looking for a good tournament.
ONE TO WATCH – CHRISTINE SINCLAIR
With 153 goals in 222 caps, Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair will no doubt have the nations hope resting firmly on her shoulders. The Portland Thorns forward is one of the most prolific scorers of all-time.
FIXTURES
6 JUNE 23:00 CHINA PR Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
11 JUNE 02:00 NEW ZEALAND Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
17 JUNE 00:30 HOLLAND Olympic Stadium, Montreal
