Photo Credit: Canada Soccer
Analysis: Canada Edge Past New Zealand Despite Dominant Display
By It might not have been the smoothest of results, but Canada managed to dispatch a lively New Zealand side 2-1 in the opening match of Group A in the Olympics, eschewing the drama that has been hanging over their heads for the last 48-hours.
A pair of goals from Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens were enough to get Canada the full three points, but questions will still be asked about the teams mentality and threat in the attack.
Canada Ball-Dominant, But Lacking Incision
With all the noise behind the scenes ahead of this match, Canada knew they had to have a strong and focused start to stand any chance against a New Zealand side that will be looking for retribution.
Andy Spence, in lieu of the absent Bev Priestman, saw his side begin as they wanted: in control. Canada dominated early proceedings by maintaining possession, but struggled to turn it into high-quality chances. New Zealand took advantage of their lack of incision, and struck first in the 13th minute through Mackenzie Barry. A well worked set-piece saw Barry able to thunder home a worldie, but questions asked about the defending as she found herself in plenty of space in the middle of the box.
The goal shocked Canada, but they were able to regain that early control after a little while. The Football Ferns kept them on their toes, however, as they threatened to break on the counter whenever Canada lost possession. The problem was that, for all of Canada’s ball dominance, it quickly broke down in the attack. There seemed to be a lack of synergy in the front three of Nichelle Prince, Adriana Leon, and Cloe Lacasse. Missed passes, missed runs and bad touches plagued the forward line for much of the first half, frustrating both players and fans alike.
The biggest threat for Canada came from the right side in the combination of Ashley Lawrence and Jade Rose. The pair’s interpassing broke Kiwi lines and allowed Canada some crossing opportunities. It was that right side in the end that granted Canada their equalizer.
A one-two between Lawrence and Jessie Fleming allowed the former to send a ball forward towards Prince, who deftly flicked it behind for Lacasse to latch onto and sweep home. It was a kind of slick and direct move that fans had crying out for after nearly 45 minutes. And it put the team back on level terms at a crucial time.
The second half saw Canada in almost complete control as well, but this time they knew how to break down the Kiwi defence with those direct balls in behind. For almost 35 minutes Canada send wave after wave of attack, missing just that final pass or shot to get them across the line. In the end, they had to wait until the 79th minute for Evelyne Viens to get that all-important second goal, thanks to a superb pass in behind by Fleming.
Overall, it was a deserved result from Canada based on the run on play, but they did not make it easy for themselves. The attack continues to be an area of concern as they struggled to get this result across the line. And with more challenging opponents on the horizon in France and Colombia, they will need to take their chances to keep their medal-defence hopes alive.
Subs Make The Difference
After their equalizer just before half, Canada knew that they needed to be more dynamic in the second half. Spence made some early changes in the 56th minute after seeing much of the same in the attack, bringing on the fresh legs of Jordyn Huitema and Janine Beckie for Lacasse and Prince.
Those changes had almost an instant impact as Beckie and Huitema brought more of a spark to the forward line, especially with the former. Beckie’s movement and willingness to attack was a breath of fresh air, although her frustration was evident as she lacked runs from those around her. Spence then made the game-altering substitutions of Simi Awujo and Evelyne Viens for Quinn and Gabrielle Carle.
Awujo coming in unlocked Fleming to be able to roam further forward and be more creative. Whilst Awujo was sitting further back and protecting the back line, the Portland Thorns midfielder had license to roam in the New Zealand half, and it was through that newfound liberty that she was able to look up and execute her line-breaking assist for Viens.
Viens as well made her presence known in that cameo in the second half, outside of just her goal. Fresh off the bench, Viens was more than willing to make those runs in behind for her teammates to find her, and use her physicality to jostle with defenders. With her as an outlet, Canada had more opportunities to be direct through those wide channels and put the Football Ferns on the back foot. Her goal was no easy feat either, as she had to wrap her foot around the ball on her first touch to catch Kiwi ‘keeper Anna Leat out and tuck her shot into the bottom corner.
One of Canada’s strengths going into this tournament was their depth, and despite injuries impacting the make-up of the squad, this match once again showcased that Les Rouges have game-changers on the bench to turn games around. That will be an asset as the games longer tougher for Canada from here on out.
Tougher Times Ahead for Canada
While New Zealand did well to cause Canada problems throughout this match, this game was one that Canada knew they had to win. In a group where they face the host country and number 2 seed France, as well as 2023 World Cup Quarter-Finalist and surprise package Colombia, Canada needed to get the early maximum points.
Those two will face off later today, but regardless of the result, Canada cannot let themselves get distracted ahead of those two fixtures. With further investigations and potential sanctions looming, Canada will need to double their efforts to focus on the what happens on the pitch rather than outside it. They will not be afforded to make mistakes against either team, and they will not want to use the background drama as an excuse if they fail to progress past the group stages.
Hopefully Canada are able to move past the noise and execute a game plan similar to as they did today. If they can dominate games with just a little bit more composure in the final third, they will be able to make a fantastic case to defend their Gold Medal. They have the talent, depth and experience for it. Now it’s all about their focus and determination to see them through for the rest of this tournament.
