Now that Canada is entering a new cycle for the World Cup, the identity of its most important building site is in no doubt. To get back on the road, Bev Priestman’s women will have to find a way to revive the offensive sector, flat since the elimination phase of the Olympic Games. At this World Cup, Canada only scored twice, and one of the two occasions was an own goal by an Irishwoman. In the elimination phase of the Olympic tournament, Canada only scored penalties. The days of Stephanie Labbé covering up her team’s offensive shortcomings by allowing 1-0 wins are over and we’re seeing the fallout today.
Christine Sinclair. Few names evoke a character as legendary as that of the best international scorer, men and women alike. At 40, she was taking part in a sixth World Cup and could enter the record books again by scoring in six editions of the World Cup. However, she missed a penalty which was decisive against Nigeria. Next for the British Columbian? “I don’t know,” she blurted out after the elimination. Another World Cup seems like a fantasy, but it could well bid farewell to Paris in 2024.
After the tournament, Canada’s coach Bev Priestman herself admitted that her group “has more depth and is arguably more talented in some ways” than the one that won gold in Tokyo. And despite this depth and versatility, the Englishwoman almost refused to change her starting XI. The concept of meritocracy seemed a long way off. Same observation on the tactical level, where the maple leaf was predictable and easily tamed.
It is Sinclair’s conclusion that the disappointment felt is “a warning to our federation”. Also according to the captain, “if nothing changes”, we will see more and more teams “catching up and surpassing” the quality of Canadian soccer. One of the solutions could be to create a professional circuit in the country, and only Canada and Haiti took part in this World Cup without a professional league. A circuit should see the light of day in April 2025, but it will take time before seeing the repercussions. However, a few underdog nations that enjoy a circuit like Colombia and Nigeria have managed to hold their own.
While many are saying “let’s set our sights on Paris 2024”, it’s worth remembering that Canada is still not qualified for the tournament. In September, the Maple Leaf will play a home-and-away series against Jamaica and the overall winner of those duels will earn their Olympic Games berth. The bad news is that Jamaica are playing good soccer at this World Cup, including drawing against France and defeating Panama. The good news is that 12 countries qualify for this competition which is played at a much more condensed pace. It is a format that would favor Canadian women more if they participated.
