Canada has begun its journey to defend its Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020 — but it won’t be easy.
With all-time top goal-scorer Christine Sinclair enjoying retirement, and star right-back Jayde Riviere ruled out with injury, Les Rouges have a steep mountain to climb when it takes on New Zealand in Group A action on Thursday.
Adding to Canada’s challenges is the recent spygate scandal, where members of Bev Priestman’s support staff were caught and sent home earlier this week for using drones to spy on New Zealand training. FIFA said Wednesday its disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Canada Soccer and three members of the women’s team’s staff.
So, will the Canadians start their Olympic gold-medal defence strong and show the drone incident isn’t affecting them? Or, will the Football Ferns reign supreme and seek redemption?
Read on to keep up-to-date with the game as it happens.
LIVE SCORE: CANADA 0, NEW ZEALAND 1
• 1′: And we’re off! Canada gets the ball rolling at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, St-Etienne.
• 7′: In the opening minutes, Canada looks tentative, nervous almost. Les Rouges’ trademark quick passes are on full display, but there’s hesitancy.
• 13′: New Zealand strike first off a set piece! Katie Bowen’s ball slips past Kailen Sheridan’s hands and into the net. 1-0 for the Ferns.
It’s 150 appearances for Canada centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan!
• 25′: After the opening goal, New Zealand appears to be keeping its defensive structure amidst Canada’s pressure. Clearly, the Kiwis have nothing to lose — or are holding a grudge after the spying. Nonetheless, the game has turned physical and aggressive.
• 32′: At the hydration break, Canada is looking uncharacteristically off. There’s miscommunication, nerves, and Les Rouges are giving New Zealand heaps of space on all areas of the pitch. It’s not new that Canada struggles on the attack, but the players Andy Spence has selected don’t seem to be stringing together opportunities.
• 35′: Chance for Canada! On the break, Adriana Leon’s shot goes right into the keeper’s hands. Leon, alongside fellow Canadians Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, is up for the 2023/24 CONCACAF Player of the Year award.
• 41′: As we near the end of the first half, the scoreline remains 1-0. Nichelle Prince is showing tenacity and speed up the flank, but Canada is unable to find windows of space. Cloé Lacasse gets a shot on net, but the angle proves too difficult to be fruitful.
• 44′: HUGE miss for Canada! After congestion in the box, Prince’s shot sails over the crossbar. The 29-year-old should have found the net, but it means chances are slowly coming for the reigning Olympic champions.
• 45′: The second official has announced four minutes of first-half added time. Will Canada level the score, or will New Zealand take its lead into the half?
