Analysis: Back-To-Back Comeback Victories Keep Canada’s Medal Defence Alive
By After one of the most difficult weeks in the program’s history, Canada once again demonstrated how to succeed in the face of adversity after defeating France 2-1 on Sunday evening.
The odds were well stacked against Canada when they lined up against the host nations, but goals from captain Jessie Fleming and Vanessa Gilles flipped the script as Canada kept their medal defence hopes alive.
Resilient Defence Kept Canada In Contention
Given the news surrounding their docked points, one can only imagine the mental mountain that the team must have climbed to me able to prepare for this match against France. Nine out of nine points was the only way Canada were going to have a sniff at making it out of the groups after falling to -3 points. And against a France side that had opened their Olympics account by scoring three goals, it was always going to be a tall task to try to pull off the upset.
But Canada’s defence was up for the job. France maintained an impressive 73% possession in the first half as they tried to unlock Les Rouges stubborn defence, but to little avail. The back three trio of Jade Rose, Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles were immense for Canada. Rose in particular continued her fine showing for Canada in these Olympics, as very little managed to get past her, getting dribbled past only on one occassion.
But it was that one occasion where France found their goal, as towards the end of the half Marie-Antoinette Katoto got her third of the competition. A goal before half is gutting on any occasion, but given the context surrounding the team behind the scenes, it could have affected them ten-fold. But in the face of near certain elimination, Canada’s defence held strong in the second half. Their focus and determination set the tone for the team to fight in the half, including a tournament-saving stop from Kailen Sheridan right before the winner from Gilles.
It was that level of performance from the defence that gives people hope that they can make the impossible possible. And what allows the attack to focus on keeping their end of bargain as well.
Tactical Changes Key In Stellar Comeback
Andy Spence lined up his team with the typical back-three set-up, but surprised fans when switching up the midfield and attack. Instead of the typical 3-4-3, Spence went in adding another midfielder in the middle and one less attacker out wide in the 3-4-1-2. The idea perhaps was to ensure that France were not able to penetrate through the middle of the park, and to disrupt them from having long spells of possession. Plus it allowed Jessie Fleming to be further up the pitch on focus more on creativity than her defensive duties. While in theory it looked to be a good plan, in practice it did more to hinder them than help them.
France still piled on the pressure despite the three in midfield, and racked up almost 3/4 of possession. Moreover, Canada only had Ashley Lawrence and Gabrielle Carle as wide options. While the pair did impress when they got involved, they were unable to be everywhere at once, meaning when Fleming got the ball for the quick break, there were only the two central forwards to try to find. The attack became flat quite quickly, and the chances were coming at a premium. It stayed that way until the second half, when Spence made the call to substitute on Adriena Leon. Leon gave that spark that Canada needed early in that first half. She instantly began to be more direct and take on her defenders to try to create chances for the team.
Lawrence and Carle also began to step-up more, and it was through the former where Canada created that first goal. A spill from France’s keeper on a Lawrence cross saw Fleming sweep the ball into the net. From there, Janine Beckie and Evelyne Viens came on – the instigators of the comeback against New Zealand days earlier – to really put the pressure on France. The game was now back on, and Canada had the chance to take the lead.
While throwing everything forward did allow France a few opportunities to kill the game off, it was a gamble that needed to be taken. They knew going into it that only a win would do. There was no other option for them. But in the end, no other option was needed.
Passion And Perserverance Encapsulates Canadian Spirit Yet Again
There wasn’t any additional build-up needed leading up to this game. Canada’s entire Olympic campaign so far has been plagued by the drone scandal that has left them coachless and with a six-point deficit to overturn. Against the hosts and number two seed in the world in France, it seemed like an impossible feat. But many former national team players spoke out ahead of this match adamant that this team could pull it off. Although it took over 100 minutes in this match, they proved that they could.
Vanessa Gilles’ goal, scored in a stadium not even 60km away from the city where she plies her trade at club level, sent shockwaves through the country. Scenes from bars in St. Johns, Newfoundland to Victoria, BC quickly flooded the social feeds of every Canadian fan. The passion and emotion in their celebrations when that ball went it mirrored the passion and emotion from the players on the pitch. A feeling of pure joy and relief was evident, and the tears could not be blinked back after the full-time whistle went. Days of hardship and uncertainty have been overshadowed now by complete elation. The 112th minute will likely be an infamous number given the uniqueness and weight of it in this grand scheme of things, especially should Canada do the improbable and move out of the group stage. But the job isn’t done.
Canada still have a date with Colombia on Wednesday, that surely becomes a “win and your in” situation. Colombia themselves will be looking to secure their place in the knockout stages with a victory, meaning that Canada will not have it any easier in that match. But if these last week has shown anything about this team’s character and resolve, Canada wouldn’t likely want it any other way.
