The Canadian women’s national team have everything to play for in Group B entering their final match against co-host Australia. A win could secure top spot in the group, although a draw could also be enough depending on Nigeria’s result vs. Ireland.
However, a loss would leave Canada exposed to the possibility of an early exit.
Those are the razor-thin margins that the Canadians have to deal with on Monday morning, but if they play their cards right, it should lead to a place in the round of 16.
Here are three tactical keys to Canada’s game against Australia.
TARGET FLANKS
Ireland and Nigeria caused problems for Australia by targeting the flanks. The Irish couldn’t find the breakthrough but two of Nigeria’s three goals were created via the wide areas, which plays right into Canada’s hands.
Les Rouges tend to progress the ball behind the opposing wide forwards and full-backs, so the fact that Australia haven’t coped with it is a positive sign for Canada.
Nigeria’s opener highlighted that weakness perfectly. Off a long ball, Australia’s right-back, Ellie Carpenter, was marking Nigeria’s No. 15 Rasheedat Ajibade while both sides contested for possession.
Carpenter tends to push forward and slightly inside as Australia play with a narrow shape in possession, so Ajibade slowly drifted behind Carpenter into acres of space.
Once the ball reached the box, Uchenna Kanu attacked the back post and converted a timely equalizer.
Given the aerial threats of Jordyn Huitema, Cloe Lacasse, Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles, there won’t be any shortage on targets for crosses.
SCHMIDT OR GROSSO?
One of the key selection dilemmas surrounds the midfield. Sophie Schmidt was fantastic in the second half against Ireland in relief of Julia Grosso. Schmidt set up the winning goal and helped lock down the centre of the pitch, completing 21 of 28 passes, three key passes, two interceptions and one tackle across 45 minutes.
That performance could lead to Schmidt starting against Australia. It would make sense given her experience on the big stage and the colossal display she delivered against Ireland.
With that being said, Grosso would be a justifiable starter as well. She hasn’t had the same impact at the World Cup as she’s had with Juventus this season, and that’s largely down to her deployment.
Grosso’s strengths lie in her technical abilities, yet she’s only produced two shots and hasn’t created a single chance through two games, per Opta. At Juventus, the 23-year-old averaged 0.18 expected assists per 90 minutes and logged five assists in all competitions.
One quick glance at Grosso’s touch maps in both games highlights the issue, specifically against Ireland: she isn’t involved enough in the final third.
Part of that is down to defending against potential transitions, especially with Ashley Lawrence constantly pushing forward. Cover is required in case the opposition recovers possession and counters.
Regardless, if Grosso starts, she needs to be afforded the freedom to dictate the game in the final third.
STOP SAM KERR
Australia will welcome back star forward Sam Kerr from injury. Her exact role is yet to be determined, but given the stakes, Kerr will surely start.
It’s obviously easier said than done, but shutting down the Chelsea forward will be crucial to Canada keeping a clean sheet. Kerr is on 63 goals in 120 appearances, and has scored numerous times in big matches for the Blues in Champions League and the WSL.
Suffice it to say that this will be Canada’s No. 1 priority at the back.
