Canada Soccer

The Netherlands defeated Canada 4-0 in a soccer friendly, with three of the goals scored in a 13-minute span during the second half. Jesse Marsch made his debut as Canada's head coach. The goals were scored by:

• Memphis Depay (50th minute)
• Jeremie Frimpong (57th minute)
• Wout Weghorst (63rd minute)
• Virgil van Dijk (83rd minute)

Canada started strong but struggled as the match progressed, with the Dutch dominating possession (61%) and outshooting Canada 20-6 (11-2 in shots on target). Alphonso Davies, making his debut as captain, played a key role but faced challenges defensively.

The Canadian lineup featured several changes from their last match and had an average age of 25. Despite the loss, Marsch emphasized that playing against top-tier teams like the Netherlands and France, whom they face next, is crucial for the team's growth and preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Key defensive plays in the first half by Eustaquio, Johnston, and Cornelius prevented early Dutch goals, and a close shot by Larin marked Canada's best offensive effort. Canada is preparing for its Copa America campaign, while the Netherlands and France are gearing up for Euro 2024.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped three penalties and scored one herself to help the U.S. win a shootout after Canada rallied twice to tie it 2-2 after extra time in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals on a dramatic, soggy night in San Diego.

Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith and Naeher scored from the spot for the second-ranked Americans. Quinn, who goes by one name, was the lone Canadian to score from the spot with Naeher denying Adriana Leon, Jordyn Huitema and Jessie Fleming.

American Korbin Albert sent her kick over the crossbar.

Canada came back twice with goals in the 82nd minute from Huitema and the 127th minute from Leon, also from the penalty spot.

Smith gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead with a 99th-minute goal. American Emily Sonnett pumped the ball forward and Rose Lavelle outjumped Canadian defenders Jade Rose and Vanessa Gilles to head it towards an unmarked Smith in the penalty box to hammer home.

Canada pressed in the dying moments and there was more late drama when Naeher took out Gilles as they both contested a high ball in the box, sending Mexican referee Katia Garcia to the pitchside monitor.

Garcia pointed to the penalty spot and Leon beat Naeher to tie it up for her sixth goal of the tournament

It had seemed like Canada's tournament would end in a 1-0 loss on a rain-drenched pitch at Snapdragon Stadium, thanks to teenager Jaedyn Shaw's 20th-minute goal.

But Huitema rescued Canada, heading home an Ashley Lawrence cross after some dogged work by Leon on the edge of the U.S. penalty box. It was Huitema's 21st goal in 78 appearance for Canada.

The Canadians kept coming and the U.S. was hanging on in second-half stoppage time.

Just moving the ball was an adventure, especially in the first half. Conditions improved as the rain subsided after halftime, which saw stadium workers use squeegees to reduce the surface water.

But the damage was done for Canada early as the 19-year-old Shaw became the first U.S. woman to score in her first four starts.

Canada Soccer announced today the 23 #CANWNT players that will represent our nation at the inaugural edition of the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, scheduled from 20 February to 10 March.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Bev Priestman, Canada’s journey at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup will begin in Houston, Texas, where all three of their group stage matches will be played at Shell Energy Stadium. In Group C, Canada will face El Salvador or Guatemala on Thursday 22 February at 21:00 ET, Paraguay on Sunday 25 February at 17:00 ET, and Costa Rica on Wednesday 28 February at 18:00 ET. After the round-robin stage, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the Quarterfinals, set to take place in Los Angeles, California.

CANADA’S SQUAD

Canada’s three goalkeepers for the tournament are Sabrina D’Angelo from Arsenal FC, Lysianne Proulx from Melbourne City, and Kailen Sheridan from San Diego Wave FC. ​

Defenders selected for this series are: ​ Kadeisha Buchanan from Chelsea FC, Gabrielle Carle from Washington Spirit, Sydney Collins from NC Courage, Vanessa Gilles from FCF Olympique Lyonnais, Ashley Lawrence from Chelsea FC, Jayde Riviere from Manchester United FC, Jade Rose from Harvard University, and Shelina Zadorsky from West Ham United FC. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Midfielders joining the team are: ​ Simi Awujo from University of Southern California, Jessie Fleming from Portland Thorns FC, Julia Grosso from Juventus FC, Quinn from Seattle Reign FC, and the versatile Olivia Smith from Sporting CP.

Rounding out the squad are forwards Jordyn Huitema from Seattle Reign FC, Cloé Lacasse from Arsenal FC, Clarissa Larisey from BK Häcken FF, Adriana Leon from Aston Villa WFC, Nichelle Prince from Kansas City Current, Deanne Rose from Leicester City FC, and Evelyne Viens from AS Roma. ​

The game was Canada's to lose, careless when playing out from the back, terrible hand ball call, substitutions didn't really make any impact. Copa American qualification still possible but we seem to always want to do things the hard way.

A sold-out crowd of 6,421 soccer fans in Halifax watched Canada defeat Brazil 2-0 in women's soccer at the Wanderers Grounds. Ashley Lawrence made a crucial cross to Jordyn Huitema for the first goal, and Deanne Rose scored the second. Goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo earned a shutout for Canada.

This match was the second of two friendlies between Canada and Brazil, with Brazil winning the first. Christine Sinclair, a Canadian soccer star, made a special appearance in this match. She is set to retire after two more games in her home province of B.C. Canada has officially qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Christine Sinclair, the iconic captain of Canada's women's soccer team, initially contemplated retirement after winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She continued to chase success at the World Cup but was disappointed by Canada's performance. Consequently, Sinclair has announced her retirement from international football at the end of the year.

Sinclair holds the record for the most international goals scored with 190 goals in 327 senior appearances. She plans to play one more season for the NWSL Portland Thorns. Sinclair will bid farewell to the national team by playing four more games in Canada.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sinclair has been a symbol of Canadian soccer, known for her consistent goal-scoring ability and dedication to the team. She is considering a coaching role after retiring.

Sinclair's career spanned several decades and included multiple Olympics, including a bronze medal in 2016. Her famous hat trick in the 2012 London semi-final against the United States remains an unforgettable moment in Canadian soccer history.

Despite challenges and evolving roles, Christine Sinclair leaves an enduring legacy in Canadian soccer.

Canada Soccer's Men's National Team Head Coach, John Herdman, has resigned from his position and will now take on the head coaching role with Toronto FC.

Herdman's departure marks the end of a remarkable tenure in Canadian soccer. During his time as head coach, he achieved significant milestones, such as leading the Women's National Team to consecutive Olympic bronze medals and guiding the Men's National Team to their first FIFA World Cup qualification in 36 years.

Charmaine Crooks, President of Canada Soccer, acknowledged Herdman's unparalleled contribution to Canadian soccer and wished him success in his new role with Toronto FC.

Herdman expressed his gratitude for the past 12 years and the connections he formed through various international events. Mauro Biello will serve as the interim Head Coach, with Herdman assisting in a seamless transition. The search for a new Men's National Team Head Coach will commence promptly.

Alongside Herdman's departure, Assistant Coaches Simon Eaddy and Eric Tenllado, Lead Scout Alex Dodgshon, and Head of Performance Dr. Cesar Meylan will also be leaving Canada Soccer, and they were recognized for their contributions.

The Matildas have put on a clinical performance to smash Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in the Women's World Cup.

Hayley Raso scored the opening two goals in the first half, while another Mary Fowler goal was ruled out for offside, before Fowler got her reward with a second-half strike.

Captain Steph Catley sealed the win from the penalty spot in the dying minutes.

The victory means Australia will top its group, after Nigeria and Ireland drew in their clash in Brisbane.

Importantly, star striker Samantha Kerr, who sat on the bench, was not needed in the match, giving her extra time to rest her troublesome calf.

The Matildas will face the second-placed team in Group D in Sydney on Monday, August 7, with England, Denmark and China all possible opponents.

MELBOURNE, Australia - The exit door at the FIFA Women's World Cup could swing open for Canada on Monday. Or the Canadians could use it to usher out co-host Australia.

The stakes couldn't be higher on the final day of Group B play.

“We know it's going to a fight (Monday). They're fighting for their life,” veteran Canadian midfielder Sophie Schmidt said of the 10th-ranked Matildas. “But we're prepared as best we can be for what they have to offer. We know what we have to do to get the result.”

“I think that we have a long World Cup run ahead of us,” she added. “(Monday) is a massive big step for us. But we're up for the challenge.”

Australia coach Tony Gustafsson also described the game as massive, calling it “a crossroads moment, for sure.”

Nigeria (1-0-1, four points) leads Group B ahead of Canada (1-0-1) by virtue of having scored one more goal. Australia (1-1-0) is one point behind with Ireland (0-2-0) already eliminated from advancing. Only the top two in the group move on.

The permutations favour seventh-ranked Canada, which will advance with a win or draw while the Matildas need to win to be certain of advancing.

“We know the fate's in our hand,” said Canada coach Bev Priestman.

The Canadians can still keep going with a loss, providing Nigeria loses to Ireland in Brisbane and ends up on the wrong end of a tiebreaker. And Australia could advance with a draw if Nigeria is beaten and the tiebreakers favour the Matildas.

What may decide the outcome is which versions of Canada and Australia show up Monday.

Both had their issues getting past No. 22 Ireland and stumbled against upstart Nigeria, with Canada drawing the 40th-ranked Super Falcons 0-0 and Australia losing 3-2.

“Ultimately if we turn up - and we turned up in the second half for sure in the last game (against Ireland), then we can go and get three points,” said Priestman. “And it's got to be about us bringing what we bring and getting the best out of the group in front of us. That is the focus, is to be brave and be what we bring and bring it well.”

Priestman said Canada will go for the win despite the fact a draw will suffice, saying if you play for a single point “you're not playing on your strengths.”

Gustafsson, meanwhile, said his team will have to be careful not to allow the Canadians counterattacking opportunities as the Matildas press for a result.

Both teams came to the tournament with high expectations.

The Canadians looked to translate their gold-medal performance at the 12-country Tokyo Olympics into success at the 32-country World Cup, having exited in the round of 16 four years ago in France.

Australia had the weight of a nation on its shoulders, knowing no host team has ever failed to make the knockout rounds at the eight previous editions of the tournament (co-host New Zealand became the first Sunday when it tied Switzerland to finish third in Group A on goal difference behind Norway).

Canada is no stranger to high-pressure games.

Priestman's team also had to recover from a tournament-opening draw (1-1 with Japan) in Tokyo's Olympics before dispatching Brazil in a quarterfinal penalty shootout, the world champion U.S. in the semi-final and Sweden on spot kicks in the final.

There are injury question marks over both teams.

Star striker Sam Kerr missed Australia's first two games with a calf injury, but told reporters Saturday that she is available for the Canada game. Just how much of a role the Matildas captain will play remains to be seen.

Gustafsson said a meeting was planned for later Sunday to discuss Kerr's status, with the team's medical staff and the player involved, with fitness tests scheduled for Monday. One concern is the risk of aggravating the injury and losing her for a longer time.

“So there's a lot on the table to discuss,” Gustafsson said. “We probably won't know how exactly we're going to use that (information) until we come here to the stadium (Monday).”

Canadian midfielder Jessie Fleming said her team is ready for whatever lineup Australia fields.

“I think she's just one player,” said Fleming, who plays alongside Kerr at England's Chelsea. “We're preparing for the game the same regardless of whether or not she plays, how much she plays. I think they have a very good team with or without her.

“Myself and the whole team are familiar with the quality she brings. She's a threat in the (penalty) box but our backline has dealt with her before. I think we feel confident that we can deal with her again if she comes on the pitch.”

Kerr's status has gripped Australia.

Australian rugby coach Eddie Jones even weighed in on the issue Saturday night after the Wallabies' 38-7 loss to the All Blacks before an announced crowd of 83,944 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, when asked if he would risk one of his players if they were 50-50 health-wise.

Jones referenced Gustafsson in his answer.

“If I was him, I would be playing her, mate,” Jones told his post-game news conference. “Because they've got to win. They've got to roll her out, strap her up. Whatever they need to do. Because she can play. She can play.”

Kerr is the Matildas' all-time leading scorer with 63 goals in 120 appearances.

Canada captain Christine Sinclair, playing in her sixth World Cup, limped off the field after making an impactful appearance off the bench against Ireland, while centre back Kadeisha Buchanan, battling illness, exited in the dying minutes of the first half.

But the two took part in the portion of practice open to the media with Sinclair wearing SpiderTech tape on her right knee. Priestman said both will be available Monday.

Both attacks have yet to hit top gear.

While Canada completed 790 of 969 passes over its first two outings, only nine of 30 shots were on target - seven of which were in the Ireland game. The Canadian setup has also been lacking with just 13 of 45 crosses completed.

The Matildas have been equally wasteful, putting just nine of 40 shots on target and completing 13 of 41 crosses. Gustafsson, however, disagreed saying the attacking football against Nigeria was the top game out of his team's last 15,

But having said that, he conceded his team's conversion rate was not efficient enough. Still Australia has failed to score in just one of its last 22 Women's World Cup group matches.

Three of Canada's backline - Vanessa Gilles, Ashley Lawrence and Buchanan - and forward Evelyne Viens are on yellow cards, meaning they face a one-game ban if they collect another Monday.

Canada is 8-7-3 all-time against Australia and has won the last three meetings, including last year's 1-0 and 2-1 victories in Brisbane and Sydney, respectively. So playing before a hostile crowd in Australia is nothing new to this Canadian team.

Adriana Leon scored all three goals in the two most recent victories, which upped Canada's record against the Matildas to 6-2-2 this century.

The Group B winner will face the Group D runner-up and vice versa in the round of 16. No. 4 England currently tops Group D with No. 13 Denmark in second, ahead of No. 14 China on a tiebreaker.

“At this point anything can happen,” said Priestman, asked whether avoiding her native England was motivation. “Right now it's just abut getting three points. If we want to be the best, we've got to beat the best. Ultimately we'll just be aiming for three points (Monday) and get that job done and (then) face the team in front of us.”

The showdown at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, better know to locals at AAMI Park, kicks off at 8 p.m. local time (6 a.m. ET in Canada).

Canada survived an early Katie McCabe wonder goal Wednesday, climbing out of a deep hole to defeat Ireland 2-1 and boost its hopes of advancing at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Canadians seemed dead and buried for most of the first half after McCabe scored directly off a corner in the fourth minute. The Irish had their tails up and Olympic champion Canada looked shell-shocked.

But a Megan Connelly own goal in first-half stoppage time and 53rd-minute strike by Adriana Leon turned the tables.

Tied 1-1 after a first half dominated by Ireland, Canada coach Bev Priestman sent in the cavalry to start the second half. She brought on Christine Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt and Shelina Zadorsky with Sinclair becoming the tip of the Canadian spear, leading the attack.

The trio arrived with a combined 635 caps under their belts.

The changes produced an immediate effect with Sinclair finding Jordyn Huitema at the edge of the box. Huitema swivelled and hammered a shot on target, forcing to make a superb diving save from goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.

Schmidt then unlocked the Irish defence with a perfect pass to Leon in the Irish penalty box. Leon sliced between two defenders and poked the ball past Brosnan.

The Canadians looked like a different team in an entertaining, wide-open second half. Ireland pressed in the final minutes but Canada held firm

With four points from two games, seventh-ranked Canada now faces No. 10 Australia in its final group game Monday in Melbourne with top spot in Group B likely at stake. The Matildas can assure themselves of advancing with a win over No. 40 Nigeria on Thursday in Brisbane.

No. 22 Ireland can celebrate its first-ever goal at the tournament but will rue the sudden change of fortune in the game. Its dream of making the knockout round is over after a second straight loss.

The Irish never stopped coming in a first half that saw rain come down in sheets periodically. But then it was Canada's turn.

The Irish fans made their voice heard during the pre-game team line-up announcements. While Dublin might have been 14,900 kilometres away, Perth Rectangular Stadium had clearly gone green for the night.

The announced crowd of 17,065 was chanting "Ole Ole" before the teams took the field.

And it took just four minutes for the Irish, who boast a well-drilled defence and dangerous set pieces, to give the fans something to really cheer about.

After an Irish counterattack led to a corner with Canadian 'keeper Kailen Sheridan having to bundle the ball out of bounds, McCabe produced a moment of magic. The Arsenal midfielder curled the ensuing corner high into the air and into the far corner of the goal, with Sheridan frantically trying to back up to get a hand to the ball.

The Irish star faced the stands and threw up her arms, drinking in the moment. And why not. In contrast, Sheridan hurled the ball away and slammed a mea culpa hand on her chest as teammates tried to console her.

The Olimpico, a name that originates from a goal scored by Argentina's Cesareo Onzari against reigning Olympic champion Uruguay from a corner kick in 1924, was Ireland's first-ever goal at the tournament.

As the Irish celebrated, the Canadians gathered in a huddle in a bid to regain their composure.

It was the earliest goal of the tournament and it hit Canada hard. The Canadians seemed out of kilter with passes going long.

Ireland looked faster and more determined, winning 50-50 battles in just its second ever World Cup outing.

But the Canadians were thrown a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time when Connolly's attempt to clear a Julia Grosso cross went directly into the Irish goal. It was about the only thing that went right for the Canadians in the first half.

The Canadians were frustrated in their-tournament opening scoreless draw with Nigeria in Melbourne. The Irish, in their first ever appearance at the soccer showcase, proved to be a tough nut to crack for Australia, which needed to convert a second-half penalty and withstand a late Irish surge to win 1-0 in Sydney.

Sinclair was left out of the starting 11 in a tactical move.

Evelyne Viens and Jessie Fleming came into the starting lineup with Sinclair, the world's all-time leading scorer with 190 goals, and Nichelle Prince shifting to the bench. Fleming, who missed the Nigeria game with a calf injury, captained the side.

It was a damp, breezy 12 degrees Celsius at Perth Rectangular Stadium for the 8 p.m. local time start (8 a.m. ET in Canada). The 20,500-capacity stadium, better known as HBF Park, is home to soccer's Perth Gory and rugby union's Western Force.

The rain started coming down during warm-ups to the musical accompaniment of Drake's "Started From the Bottom" and Dropkick Murphys' "I'm Shipping Up to Boston."

Irish centre back Louise Quinn, sporting a black eye and wearing a protective boot in the wake of the Australia game, did make the starting line-up. Lucy Quinn, not related to Louise, came in for Marissa Sheva, who conceded the penalty against Australia.

Canada's Quinn, who goes by one name, made it a third Quinn on the pitch.

There was a late Irish change with Aine O’Gorman coming in for Heather Payne, who felt a tweak in her hamstring during warm-ups.

The Canadians had a glorious chance in the 30th minute after Ireland failed to clear a corner. Kadeisha Buchanan flicked a header towards goal that fellow centre back Vanessa Gilles got a foot to, only to send the ball over the bar.

Irish midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn shadowed Fleming, denying her space to create behind the strikers.

Buchanan looked shaky, beaten several times and forced to take a yellow card when she was on the wrong end of an Irish attack.

Both teams have had difficulties scoring of late.

The Canadian women were held scoreless in three of their previous five outings this year, outscored 7-3. But at the other end of the pitch, they had kept five clean sheets in their last previous group‑stage outings at the tournament.

Ireland had scored in just one of its last six matches, outscored 9-3 over that period with the lone goals came in a 3-2 win over No. 77 Zambia last month in Dublin. And while the Irish outscored their opposition 26-4 over eight matches in their World Cup qualifying group, 20 of those goals came in two matches against No. 126 Georgia.

Ireland booked its ticket to the tournament by beating No. 23 Scotland 1-0 in a playoff after finishing runner-up to No. 3 Sweden in its qualifying group with a 5-1-2 record.

Canada and Ireland had met just once before with Canada rallying for a 2-1 win in the fifth-place game at the 2014 Cyprus Cup thanks to a 90th-minute goal by Schmidt.

Nathan Saliba and Mathieu Choinière should definitely be in the mix for the men’s senior team. @canadasoccer

After a frustrating scoreless draw with Nigeria, Canada now turns its attention to a well-drilled Irish side at the Women's World Cup.

Ranked 22nd in the world, tournament debutante Ireland is coming off a 1-0 loss to Australia. But the 10th-ranked Matildas had to work hard, needing a 52nd-minute penalty to get past Ireland in their Group B opener in Sydney.

Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum's team faces the Australians next. And his take on the tournament co-host's struggles with Ireland and its well-organized defence unwittingly shone some light on seventh-ranked Canada.

"I can't speak for them … But I'm sure they was some frustration that they couldn't break through and score in the run of play," said Waldrum. "But good teams find ways to win and they found the penalty and got the result they needed."

Defender Steph Catley, wearing the captain's armband in place of the injured Sam Kerr, confidently hammered her spot kick shot high into the corner of the Irish goal in the 52nd minute before an announced crowd of 75,784 at Stadium Australia. It was just her fourth career goal in 110 international appearances.

Canada could not match that breakthrough against 40th-ranked Nigeria, despite dominating play for chunks of the game. And Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a world-class save to deny Canada captain Christine Snclair's spot kick in the 50th minute.

The way both coaches reacted to the single-point haul at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium spoke volumes.

"We've got to move on very quickly. You can get lost and be really down on that," Canada coach Bev Priestman said of the result. "Of course the team and I are devastated we didn't get three points. But at the end of the day, we got one (point) and we took two from another team."

The glass was definitely more than half-full for Nigeria.

"The group is so difficult every point's vital … We wanted three but getting the point keeps you in it and keeps you alive for advancement," said Waldrum. "So yeah it's a very positive feeling right now."

Canada, which had an off-day Saturday with no availability, looked out of sync against the Super Falcons, perhaps not surprising given its bumpy journey to the tournament with the ongoing labour dispute with Canada Soccer and ongoing injury issues.

Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose and Jayde Riviere came to the tournament with little or no playing time due to injuries. Influential midfielder Jessie Fleming watched from the bench Friday as Priestman opted not to exacerbate an undisclosed injury, in the hope she would be ready down the line.

While Priestman said Sinclair was one of the team's three designated penalty-takers for the match, Fleming would likely have been tasked with the spot kick had she been on the field.

The Canadians won two penalty shootouts en route to Olympic gold in Tokyo, dispatching Brazil in the quarterfinal and Sweden in the final. Fleming scored in both shootouts and also was good on penalties in regulation time against the U.S. and Sweden.

Sinclair did not convert her penalty attempt against Brazil and had been substituted by the time the Olympic final went to spot kicks.

The Canadians also endured penalty kick heartbreak at the 2019 World Cup in France when Sinclair yielded the ball to Janine Beckie (who is missing this tournament through injury) in the round of 16 against Sweden. Beckie was stopped by goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl — who had saved a Sinclair penalty earlier that year in the third-place game at the Algarve Cup — and Sweden went on to win 1-0.

With a world-record 190 international goals to her credit, Sinclair has carried Canada on her back for many years. And she has no need to apologize for having been denied by a remarkable save.

"I just picked a side and I was happy at the end I got it right," said Nnadozie, who plays her club football in France for Paris FC.

But at the age of 40, Sinclair's game and role on the team have changed.

"She makes critical passes, is critical to this team,'' Priestman said prior to the tournament. "But what I do know is this team is no longer just about Christine Sinclair. I think we've got the depth across the forward line, the midfield line, to not rely on anyone for every single minute across the tournament and I think that's what you'll see (at the tournament)."

Priestman needs that forward depth to step up. Margins are slim in tournament football and points are at a premium now in Group B.

Going into the tournament, Canada had scored just three goals and had been outscored 7-3 in its four previous outings in 2023. Three of those games came at the SheBelieves Cup in February when the team's attention was split amidst a threat of downing tools due to the labour unrest.

Priestman elected to play just one game (a 2-1 loss to No. 5 France) in the April international window in order to give the team time in camp to refind its focus and to renew relationships on and off the field.

With Prince and Rose still finding their feet after injury layoffs and Adriana Leon coming off a season that saw limited playing time, Jordyn Huitema started up front against Nigeria. Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens both sparked the team in coming off the bench in the second half, giving Priestman food for thought for Wednesday's matchup with Ireland in Perth.

While the statistics favoured Canada, Nigeria managed to weather the storm and hit back on counterattacks. There was chaos in both penalty boxes as the game wore on.

But no clinical finishing.

The Canadians completed 384-of-459 passes compared to 125 of 221 for Nigeria, and launched 26 crosses to Nigeria's 11. Canada won 23 aerial duels, almost double the Super Falcons' 12.

Canada held a 14-10 edge in shots but only led 2-1 in shots on target. Six of the Canadian shots were off target with another six blocked before they got there.

One stat that the physical Nigerians led was fouls committed, with 16 to Canada's six.

Nigerian midfielder Deborah Abiodun had a yellow card upgraded to red upon video review in stoppage time for a nasty studs-up tackle that bent Ashley Lawrence's lower leg at a seemingly impossible angle. But the Canadian fullback finished out the game, to the amazement of many on social media, and looked none the worse for wear as she walked through the post-game mixed zone.

"Look away now," England's ITV said about a video clip of the foul.

"Is Ashley Lawrence's foot still attached to her body after last night?" wondered one Canadian viewer on Twitter.

Prior to almost having her leg broken, Lawrence had a field day going down the left flank and gave the Nigerian defence fits in the first half.

The Canadians miss Beckie, back home recovering from knee surgery. Like Lawrence, Beckie is a difference-maker.

Canada will need to find a way to unlock the Irish defence and, at the other end of the field, withstand Ireland's set pieces. The margin for error at the tournament is all but gone.

Canada was not able to convert a second-half penalty and had to settle for a scoreless draw against Nigeria in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opener from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

Captain Christine Sinclair had her penalty attempt saved by Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 50th minute, after the spot kick was awarded by VAR.

Sinclair was fouled by Nigerian defender Francisca Ordega in the box, the referee initially waved off the penalty claims, but was then asked to review the play by the Video Assistant Referee.

Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun was sent off after a VAR check in stoppage time for a dangerous foul on Ashley Lawrence.

Australia currently leads Group B after defeating Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their opening match.

In the wake of a busy June, the Canadian men have moved up two places to No. 43 in the latest FIFA world rankings.

The top 11 teams are unchanged with World Cup champion Argentina at No. 1. France, Brazil, England, Belgium, Croatia, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and Spain complete the top 10.

There were 62 matches played since the last edition of the world rankings in June with Canada taking part in six of them.

John Herdman's team went 2-2-2 during that time period, with both losses coming to the 11th-ranked U.S. The Americans beat Canada 2-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League final and 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the Gold Cup quarterfinal.

Canada moved into third place among CONCACAF teams, overtaking Costa Rica. The Canadians' highest-ever ranking was No. 33, reached in February 2022.

Gold Cup champion Mexico jumped two places to No, 12, with Switzerland and Morocco each falling one spot to No. 13 and No. 14, respectively.

Gold Cup runners-up Panama made the biggest climb, vaulting 12 places to No. 45, after defeating the U.S. in a penalty shootout in the semifinal. Jamaica moved up five places to No. 58 after reaching the Gold Cup semifinal, where they fell 3-0 to Mexico.

Costa Rica fell four rungs to No. 46th — and dropped to No. 5 in CONCACAF behind Panama. Guatemala moved in the other direction, up nine spots to No. 107.

At the lower end of the table, there was upward progress for the Cayman Islands (No. 193, up four places), Gibraltar (No. 198, up four), Aruba (No. 199, up four) and Liechtenstein (No. 200, up four).

The Canadian women's national team is preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. After winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Canada enters the tournament as one of the favorites to claim the title. However, the team's roster has undergone some significant changes since the Olympics, which could impact their chances of success. Key players like Janine Beckie and Desiree Scott will be sidelined due to injuries, while Stephanie Labbé and Erin McLeod have retired. On the other hand, the team welcomes new talent in rising stars Olivia Smith, Simi Awujo, Julia Grosso, and Adriana Leon, who are eager to make their mark on the World Cup stage.

Injuries have dealt a blow to Canada's World Cup campaign, with Janine Beckie, a key forward, sidelined due to an ACL tear suffered during a pre-season match. Desiree Scott, a veteran known for her aggressive play, will also be absent due to knee surgery. The retirement of goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé, who played a crucial role in Canada's Olympic success, leaves a void that will be filled by Kailen Sheridan, an accomplished goalkeeper who is regarded as one of the best in the women's game. Erin McLeod, another goalkeeper, has also retired, passing on her role as a reliable backup to Sabrina D'Angelo. Despite these challenges, Canada introduces new talent in Olivia Smith, an 18-year-old rising star who has chosen to forgo her NCAA eligibility to play professionally.

The upcoming Women's World Cup will provide an opportunity for emerging talents like Olivia Smith and Simi Awujo to shine on the international stage. Smith's lethal finishing ability and game-winning mentality make her a valuable addition to the squad, while Awujo, a promising young player, aims to make her mark and secure a spot for the Paris Games next summer. Rising star Julia Grosso, who scored the game-winning penalty in the Olympic final, will now transition from a substitute to a starting player, utilizing her speed and skill to contribute to Canada's attack. Adriana Leon, who had limited minutes in Tokyo, is now in top form and will join the starting lineup, using her goal-scoring prowess and dribbling ability to create opportunities.

As Canada heads into the Women's World Cup, the team will need to adapt to the changes in its roster. The legendary Christine Sinclair, one of the greatest players in Canadian history, may take on a playmaking role due to her age, while younger talents step up in the starting lineup. The team's Group B matches against Nigeria, Ireland, and Australia will provide tough competition, and Coach Bev Priestman emphasizes the importance of adapting to different styles of play while leveraging their strengths. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, Canada's performance in the tournament will be eagerly watched as they aim to make their mark and contend for the title.

With the Women's Fifa world cup starting shortly, how far do folks here think Canada will progress?

Any particular teams we would like to avoid meeting in the knockout rounds?