Christine Sinclair said she plays her best soccer when she’s having fun.
The rest of the world better watch out. Canada’s captain is healthy and happy heading into her sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
“Honestly, my current mentality is to just enjoy the moment,” Sinclair said of the 32-team tournament getting underway in Australia and New Zealand shortly. I am a perfectionist and I always put a lot of pressure and stress on my shoulders. My goal is to have fun at this World Cup. I want to create amazing memories. »
At the age of 40, Sinclair continues to be an iconic figure on the Canadian women’s team. Her role may have changed on the pitch, but she continues to lead her teammates and interact with them on and off the pitch.
“She works really hard,” Canada coach Bev Priestman said. I went to see her in Portland [where she plays in the NWSL with the Thorns] a few months ago. The look in his eyes, his hunger. She works even more and she is hungry. When Christine is hungry, it’s not someone you want to disturb. »
Ranked seventh in the world, the Canadians will open their tournament Thursday against Nigeria in Melbourne. They will continue their journey in Group B against Ireland on July 26 in Perth and against Australia on July 31 in Melbourne.
Sinclair, who is the all-time leading scorer with 190 goals in 323 appearances, is a humble person who doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his humility and values represent the roots of the Canadian team’s character.
Sinclair and the other veterans on the team have made the Canadian squad a welcoming environment for all players.
“As Canadians, we’ve always been known to be very humble, very welcoming, very kind. And it’s no different on the [national team] side, noted defender Vanessa Gilles. When you first arrive and there are veterans like Christine Sinclair, Desiree Scott – all these players who have been there for years, who have been at the top of their game for years – who welcome you and who treat as an equal, it’s amazing. »
Defenseman Shelina Zadorsky, an 89-game veteran, called Sinclair “a hero to so many Canadians, not just her teammates.”
“Her humility inspired me so much to become a better player, a better leader and a better person,” added Zadorsky.
A native of British Columbia, Sinclair will however have to contend without two key teammates in forward Janine Beckie, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Scott, who has not had time to recover from an operation.
Beckie’s absence has long been known, but Scott attended the pre-tournament camp in Australia, but she failed to show the peak of her form.
“It’s hard to see one of your best friends going through what she’s going through right now,” Sinclair said of Scott.
Sinclair has shown consistency throughout her career, making her senior debut at age 16 in March 2000. She scored her first goal just two days later in her second game.
Goals have become rarer lately. Sinclair hasn’t scored in her last 12 international outings and has only scored 5 goals in 33 appearances since breaking Abby Wambach’s record 184 goals in January 2020.
However, she continues to lead by example and help others in the field.
Priestman credits his captain for her attitude and work ethic, noting that she was “outstanding” in the pre-tournament fitness tests.
“What stands out for me right now is still that level of determination,” Priestman said. To participate in as many World Cups and Olympic Games. She eventually got her gold medal around her neck, but she didn’t finish. She knows that the thing this country has yet to achieve is to win the World Cup. »
Sinclair showed she still had a flair for the net in Portland.
She has 3 goals and 1 assist in 12 outings for the Thorns this season. She showed deft touch in June when she scored against the Chicago Red Stars, shifting the ball from foot to foot to make room for a shot before slotting the ball behind the keeper.
Sinclair has yet to confirm his post-World Cup plans with Canada. But important games await the team, starting with a two-game Olympic qualifier against Jamaica in September.
Sinclair credits her pursuit of perfection as the main reason she has had this kind of career.
“I’m the kind of person who is never satisfied and always thinks we can do better, whether individually or collectively as a team,” she said. It motivates me on a daily basis, whether it’s the first days of pre-season in Portland or the preparation for a World Cup here in Australia, I have the same state of mind. And that’s to improve myself, to try to make a difference when it matters most. »
