Canada Ready To Finish Strong With SheBelieves Cup Tilt Against Japan
By The Canadian women’s national team will wrap up their February international window with a final game against Japan in Texas.
On the eve before the Canadian women’s national team face Japan in Frisco, Bev Priestman once again met the media to discuss the upcoming SheBelieves Cup matchup.
The women’s national team coach did confirm everyone but one player is available, though she didn’t name who was the odd woman out. Instead, she clarified that the player will be tested tomorrow before the game while also talking about what to expect against Japan.
“They are a hard team to break down,” she said. “They don’t concede many goals. We played them at the Olympics. They play a Japanese style and it will be great practice against a back five, and they will be resolute. We need to be patient and disciplined in the way we defend.”
A couple of hours before the conference, Canada Soccer had announced that the women’s team will be playing France in Le Mans on April 11. Priestman was asked if she expects any more games to be announced.
“We only targeted one game for April because we need more time to train, and we designed it that way. In terms of more games, we already have a game planned behind closed doors right before the World Cup.”
She was asked about the philosophy going into the game tomorrow, with Priestman making a powerful statement saying that this team needs a win to finish both the window and the tournament strong.
I asked her about the disappointment of potentially not playing a game at home before the World Cup and she agreed that it would be disappointing for the Canadian fans who are behind them.
“I think there were many factors going into this. When we tabled the away game against France, we tried to make things fit. That opportunity has been on the table for a while and I think as a coach when you get to play a top ten team like France, they are a tough European side, and that was the plan: to play teams from Europe. But, as you know, the players would love to play at home before they go to the World Cup and it is on the table with the players and Canada Soccer.”
She added, “I think the fans are the reason why the players do what they do, and I know the players love playing from home, but I know we will do our best to make that happen.”
There had been tentative plans for a BC-based home game before the public dispute with Canada Soccer, though it remains to be seen if a home match will still take place.
Canada will face Japan at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas and they will play the earlier game with kickoff scheduled for 4:00PM EST. Interested fans can view the match on OneSoccer.