Canada has begun its journey to defend its Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020 — but it won’t be easy.
With all-time top goal-scorer Christine Sinclair enjoying retirement, and star right-back Jayde Riviere ruled out with injury, Les Rouges have a steep mountain to climb when it takes on New Zealand in Group A action on Thursday.
Adding to Canada’s challenges is the recent spygate scandal, where members of Bev Priestman’s support staff were caught and sent home earlier this week for using drones to spy on New Zealand training. FIFA said Wednesday its disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Canada Soccer and three members of the women’s team’s staff.
So, will the Canadians start their Olympic gold-medal defence strong and show the drone incident isn’t affecting them? Or, will the Football Ferns reign supreme and seek redemption?
Read on to keep up-to-date with the game as it happens.
LIVE SCORE: CANADA 0, NEW ZEALAND 1
• 1′: And we’re off! Canada gets the ball rolling at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, St-Etienne.
• 7′: In the opening minutes, Canada looks tentative, nervous almost. Les Rouges’ trademark quick passes are on full display, but there’s hesitancy.
• 13′: New Zealand strike first off a set piece! Katie Bowen’s ball slips past Kailen Sheridan’s hands and into the net. 1-0 for the Ferns.
