The Canadian women’s national team is essentially in a must-not-lose situation entering its second match against Ireland on Wednesday morning.
While a draw against the world No. 22 wouldn’t be disastrous, two points from two matches leaves Canada in a precarious position. Les Rouges would likely need a win on the final day against co-host Australia to advance to the round of 16, whereas beating Ireland would all but secure a place in the knockout stage and keep them in contention for top spot in Group B.
Given how the opening 0-0 draw with Nigeria played out, though, there are some concerns about the latter scenario.
With that in mind, here are three tactical keys to Canada’s matchup against Ireland.
FINAL-THIRD EXECUTION
Simply put, Canada was neither clinical nor productive enough in the final third to warrant a victory over Nigeria.
The expected goals (xG) outputs for both teams paints a vivid picture. Apart from Christine Sinclair’s penalty, Canada was flaccid around the Nigerian penalty area.
Defensively, it was a solid enough showing, but the key concern about this Canadian side was the attack and the Nigeria game did very little to quell those fears.
But for a team that’s only played five games in 2023 – including a behind-closed-doors friendly against England on July 14 – there were a couple flashes that proved Canada is a threat.
The first arrived in the 28th minute via some brilliant attacking orchestration from the midfielders and forwards. The move started with Canada in a back three with Jayde Riviere alongside the centre-backs. Quinn (DM) was the receiver on this occasion, as they dropped into the pocket behind Nigeria’s frontline.
Once that pass was made, Sinclair (AM) rolled out to the flank behind the wide forward (WF) as the Nigerian centre midfielder (CM) closed down Quinn.
With Nigeria’s wide forward and centre forward occupying Riviere and Gilles, respectively, it left the centre midfielder having to track both Sinclair and Quinn.
In turn, Quinn was able to receive and turn into space with Julia Grosso (CM) pushing forward into another open pocket. Grosso eventually picked out Ashley Lawrence, who then crossed it onto the head of Jordyn Huitema.
In the second half, Cloe Lacasse routinely found space behind Nigeria’s full-back and one of those runs directly led to the Sinclair penalty. Lacasse’s inclusion from the start could be another welcome boost, too.
Both sequences are staples of Canada’s attack: exploit the wide areas and pounce in the half spaces for cutbacks or crosses. Better accuracy on crosses (Canada was 5-of-24 vs. Nigeria) could’ve led to a clear-cut opportunity.
JESSIE FLEMING
Of course, having a technical playmaker like Jessie Fleming could bolster Canada’s attacking opportunities as well.
The Chelsea midfielder didn’t play against Nigeria due to injury, but coach Bev Priestman declared that Fleming is available for Wednesday’s game, which is a massive relief for Canada.
Few players are as vital to Canada’s success as Fleming. She has 10 goals and four assists since the Tokyo Olympics and had started 28 consecutive games until the Nigeria match, underlining her importance even further.
But crucially, Fleming can pick apart a defence with ease. With Ireland’s stingy defence and organized structure, a player with her improvisation should help unlock what will be another stubborn back line.
Fleming is also one of Canada’s primary set-piece specialists, so having her back in the fold should bolster the attacking set-piece threats as well.
THE STARTING FRONTLINE
After less-than-stellar performance from Deanne Rose – who admittedly was returning from a long injury absence, it’s highly likely that she’ll make way for Lacasse or Evelyn Viens.
If that occurs, one of Jordyn Huitema or Adriana Leon will be at risk. It’ll either be a Lacasse-Viens-Huitema or a Lacasse-Viens-Leon front three. However, it’s also likely that Huitema retains her spot as the No. 9 and there may not be much rotation at all.
But given how well Lacasse and Viens performed off the bench, it’ll be a conundrum for coach Bev Priestman. Viens produced two shots – one on target – and two key passes in just 26 minutes, while Lacasse completed two of four dribbles but apart from the Sinclair penalty, she wasn’t too impactful in terms of chance creation.
This will only add to Priestman’s selection dilemma for Wednesday morning. Whatever she decides, though, will be dissected at length given the magnitude of the game.
