The 2016 Rio Olympics gets underway two days before the opening ceremony with Australia’s opening game against Canada.
It has been 12 years since the Matildas have made an Olympic appearance and they will be looking to get off to a bright start against the number 10 ranked team in the world, Canada.
The two teams qualified for the Games in similar fashion with Australia topping the AFC tournament with four wins and a draw while Canada finished behind the USA in the CONCACAF tournament going down 2-0 to the reigning world and Olympic champions.
Canada has been a prominent figure at the Olympics in recent times with Rio marking their third consecutive appearance at the tournament. The team knows what it takes to medal at an Olympics, bringing home a bronze in London 2012 making them just one of the many formidable opponents the Australians will face.
Key Battle – Christine Sinclair vs Laura Alleway
Christine Sinclair is Canada’s talismanic captain and striker. The 33-year-old has an incredible 243 caps for Canada and has scored 161 goals. Although she has been hampered with injuries of late, her influence and experience will no doubt be important for the Canadians and that’s why Australia’s central defensive pairing will need to ensure that Sinclair is not only kept quiet but that she is not given any decent service to pounce on.
Laura Alleway will more likely than not have the task on Sinclair and the defender who plays her football with Melbourne City in the W-League and Orlando Pride in the NWSL will not be overawed by the occasion. Alleway has 45 caps to her name but was an integral part of the Matildas’ team that did so well as the 2015 World Cup.
Team News
Both sides have picked strong squads for the tournament. Canada has travelled to Brazil without goalkeeper Erin McLeod who injured her knee in March. Her injury has opened up the door for Stephanie Labbè. Gabrielle Carle has been contending with an ankle sprain but will most likely play a limited role off the bench if required.
Australia’s squad seems to be at full strength and this gives coach Alen Stajcic the wonderful problem of trying to fit 18 excellent footballers into only 11 positions. Lisa De Vanna should get a start in what will be her second Olympic Games and Lydia Williams should be the first choice goalkeeper ahead of Mackenzie Arnold.
Expected Matildas Starting XI: Williams; Foord, Alleway, Kennedy, Catley; Kellond-Knight, Gorry, van Egmond; Crummer, De Vanna, Simon
Head-to-head
Australia and Canada have been playing each other since the late 1980s. Of the 15 games played Australia has won seven to Canada’s six with two draws. When it comes to big international tournaments, the teams played at the 2007 World Cup in China, earning a 2-2 draw.
Previous Meeting
It’s been some time since the sides met in Australia for a friendly in 2008. Playing as a curtain raiser to a Socceroos match, the Matildas won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Amy Chapman and Caitlin Munoz.
Prediction
There are no easy games at the Olympics and that definitely rings true for this match up. Both teams have had mixed results leading into the tournament and that’s why a draw seems like a likely outcome. The first game will see a few jitters and nerves be on display but there should be goals from both sides.
Canada 1 Australia 1
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