Canada vs. the U.S. is a tale as old as time.
On Tuesday, the Canadian women’s national soccer team face its long-time rivals in the final of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. The championship match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT in Columbus, Ohio.
After losing to the Americans in the semifinals of the Concacaf W Gold Cup last month, Bev Priestman’s squad has something to prove — that it can bounce back and finally take down the mighty Stars and Stripes ahead of the Paris Olympics, which kicks off in a few months.
Here is everything you need to know about the gold-medal game, including players to watch and Canada’s keys to the match:
Last time out
On Saturday, Canada battled back against Brazil to earn a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of regulation time in the SheBelieves Cup semifinals. Despite Canada’s wishy-washy penalty form lately, it beat the South Americans 4-2 on penalties to advance to the Cup final.
The Brazilians started strong, with possession and tough pressing. In the 22nd minute, Ludmila was brought down in the box and Tarciane converted from the spot. In the second half, youngster Simi Awujo replaced veteran Janine Beckie and brought much-needed energy to both the front and back lines. Canada (skipper Jessie Fleming, in particular) got more creative and confident on the ball, leading to a Vanessa Gilles equalizer off a header in the 77th minute. When penalties came, Adriana Leon, Jade Rose, Julia Grosso and Awujo scored, and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan blocked a ball from soccer superstar Marta.
In the other semifinal (Japan vs. U.S.), Japan got off to a flying start when Kiko Sieke’s crafty dribbling and accurate shot found the net just 31 seconds into the match. However, the U.S. did not get flustered and went on to out-shoot the Japanese 18-6 while applying pressure the rest of the match.
Breakout forward Jaedyn Shaw netted the equalizer from distance and mainstay Lindsey Horan buried a penalty kick after Sophia Smith was fouled in the box. Shaw now has seven goals in her first 11 caps for the USWNT; Christen Press is the only player in American women’s soccer history with more goals (eight) through 11 games.
Fleming holds the key
The last time the North American rivals met, in March, the teams faced off in a tense, waterlogged semifinal at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. Despite a valiant effort by Canada amidst horrible conditions, Priestman’s side lost 3-1 on penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw after regulation and extra time. Although the Gold Cup match could have gone either way, Tuesday’s game will be an entirely different story. With the pitch conditions being (hopefully) better, there’s no excuse for fluke balls or bad passing.
Against Brazil on Saturday, Canada had 61.25 per cent passing accuracy. In the States’ win over Japan, the Stars and Stripes recorded 82.38 per cent passing accuracy. Simply put, Les Rouges need to make tighter, more accurate passes against the Americans. If not, Twila Kilgore’s team will capitalize on loose or misplaced balls and look to score from the counterattack.
Additionally, the key for Canada is to get the ball to Fleming. In the first half of the SheBelives Cup semifinals, the 26-year-old was less involved in the attack. Without its “quarterback,” Canada had a hard time setting up goal-scoring opportunities and couldn’t seem to take the ball from Brazil. However, thanks to the introduction of Awujo in the second half, who took pressure off Fleming defensively, the London, Ont., native was able to focus on creating chances through the middle — which ultimately resulted in Les Rouges’ equalizer. Having Fleming establish the tempo against the Americans, as well as tight passing and maintaining as much possession as possible could be Canada’s keys to the game.
Canada must overcome the ’12th man‘
Tuesday’s match is the 66th all-time meeting between Canada and the United States, with a head-to-head series that dates back to when the USWNT was in its second year of existence, in 1986.
Historically, Canada is the USWNT’s most common opponent, and the U.S. has more goals (186) and wins (53) against Canada than any other opponent. Overall, the Americans lead the series with 53 wins, eight draws and four losses, and secured wins in six of the last eight matchups between the two squads.
Considering this history and information, the odds point to the States’ favour. Another factor to consider is that the Amerians are taking on the Canadians on home soil, just like at the Gold Cup. Having home fans can be a huge boost, so Priestman’s side will need to prepare to take on the so-called “12th man.”
But one thing Kilgore’s side has that Canada doesn’t: pressure. On paper, most people expect the USWNT to win, while Canada has nothing to lose. Could this be a time for Canada to play free-flowing soccer ahead of the Paris Olympics? Could losing to the States on penalties in the Gold Cup act as fuel for Les Rouges to seek revenge against their rivals? Only time will tell.
Players to watch
Jaedyn Shaw, USA: If there’s one thing Shaw knows how to do, it’s recording her name in the history books. The 19-year-old is setting goal-scoring records for her country and solidifying herself as an attacking threat after only a handful of games since her debut. The Texan is creative and quick in the box, and dynamic on the counter. Expect Shaw to lead the Americans’ attacking prowess as the States hunt for another addition to its trophy cabinet.
Kailen Sheridan, Canada: The 28-year-old goalkeeper had a massive performance against Brazil in the SheBelieves Cup semifinals with five saves, and denied Marta’s attempt to open the penalty shootout — which helped turn the tide in Canada’s favour. Moreover, the San Diego Wave starter, who plays alongside the States’ Alex Morgan, Shaw, Naomi Girma and Abby Dahlkemper, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. Her tenacity and confidence between the sticks will be vital.