Canada Going to the Olympics

Thanks to Christine Sinclair.  Such is her importance to this team that when Canada scored to go 2-0 up against Mexico the camera focused not on the goalscorer but on Sinclair writhing in pain after a nasty tackle.  Had she gone off injured I'm pretty sure Canada goes on to lose that game.  She is clearly carrying this team to London.

Otherwise Canada is, with some notable exceptions, slow and cumbersome.

Their centreback Chapman is decent, but her partner (#2) is a liability.  The fullbacks looked good against Haiti and Costa Rica because they didn't have to defend, but they looked far less assured against tricky Mexican forwards.  Slow to turn and seemingly unable win a header against 4'5" Mexican forwards, I think Canada needs to find better fullbacks or they're in trouble.  Their goalkeeper made a mess of the Mexico goal, but she's a decent shot stopper as she showed ten minutes later after defensive miscues allowed a clear shot on goal.  She needs a better hairdresser though.

The midfield is well-anchored by Scott, who does a good job of stopping the other team playing and keeping possession of the ball. She was probably the best player in red behind Sinclair.  The other midfielders did a good job of running around, but didn't impress me with their decision making or positional play.  A couple of them looked more interested in their hair than winning a tackle or making the right pass.   The diamond formation Canada plays requires a good holding midfielder and inside forward/attacking mid, which they have in Scott and Sinclair. Now their coach needs to sort out which players make up the remaining two positions.  Perhaps they had off games tonight but #15, #6 and #13 didn't do it for me.

As for the forwards Tancredi made her goal look easy, but also missed a sitter. I cant even tell you the name of the other forward (#10) as she contributed very little all game.  I think her best move was being subbed for Timko who actually looked like she wanted to be out there playing.


Good thing Christine Sinclair has broad shoulders because she will need to continue carrying this team if they hope to have any success.