Canada Prepares To Face Familiar Foe Brazil At SheBelieves Cup
By On Saturday evening after their training session in Nashville, Bev Priestman met the media to discuss Canada’s next opponent, Brazil, who they face Sunday night.
“We obviously did a review,” she said when I asked her if she re-watched the last two games against Brazil, who had hosted Canada in the final international window of 2022.
“We have some learnings from those games that we can carry forward and I can expect something similar to last time and we are not expecting anything different. It will be a good chance to refine and continue to build on.”
The scene has shifted from Orlando to Nashville for the game against Brazil, and Priestman was asked how the team is feeling going into the game on Sunday night. The team lost its open against the US two-nil, with the atmosphere described as being ‘exhausted and draining‘ following an ongoing dispute with Canada Soccer regarding pay equity.
“I would say in regards to the mood, it’s a new environment, it’s fresh, but there are some lingerings. I don’t think you can hide from that, but the team knows we need to push on from game one to game two and test ourselves”.
“It’s for sure a quick turnaround with travel, but to have familiarity is always good for a player. I do think it’s an advantage for both sides.”
Brazil won its opening match against Japan through a second half goal from Debora Cristiane de Oliveira. Canada will go in to the match looking for its first win.
Priestman was asked if any players are injured and she confirmed to the media that everyone is available. She was also asked about squad rotation due to the quick turnaround between games.
“With the tight turnaround, we have to balance the players across the three games. What you will see tomorrow is a familiar partnership but you will also see some new things.”
Janine Beckie, who is a veteran and a leader on the team, will play her one hundredth cap if selected today. Priestman was asked about her versatility on the team.
“I think it’s a great milestone for Janine. She is so versatile and can literally play anywhere. Her true football quality is what does it for her, and she plays a lot of minutes for those reasons. She’s not only contributing to this team on the pitch but also off the pitch. She’s grown in her leadership, and is just an incredible human being. For her to reach 100 would be huge credit for her – what is scary is that she hasn’t reached her full potential yet.”
Canada will face Brazil in their second game at the SheBelieves Cup at Geodis Park in Nashville. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30PM EST and can be seen on OneSoccer.
Header Image Photo Credit: Canada Soccer