Group A: Canada | China | New Zealand | Netherlands
Canada qualified for the World Cup way back in 2011, after Zimbabwe withdrew its bid to host and Canada became the lone candidate. So, how will the hosts fare?
The journey
The upside is obvious -- less pressure -- but the downside is a dearth of competitive games since winning the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. Still, as the main event approaches, coach John Herdman's side is building momentum: Canada beat and tied Sweden in two November friendlies before running the table against World Cup-bound South Korea, Mexico and China in mid-January to win its first four-nation tourney title.
World Cup History
A look at how Canada has fared in past World Cup tournaments:
The rep
Much like its noisy neighbor to the south, Canada is a disciplined, hard-working squad that relies on a physical, mostly direct game. Talented but lacking depth compared to the overall favorites, the Canucks have also become known as underachievers after surviving the first round of the World Cup or Olympics just three times in 10 tries. And, of course, you can't speak of Canada without mentioning Christine Sinclair, the 11-time Canadian Player of the Year and a seven-time nominee for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year. Playing in her fourth Cup, the soon-to-be 32-year-old will be desperate for a home win.
Projected Formation
Canada usually plays with a 4-3-3 lineup:
The question
How much of a home-field advantage will Canada enjoy? While almost a third of men's World Cups have been won by the host, just one women's team (the United States, in 1999) has triumphed, or even reached a final. But after that heartbreaking extra-time loss against the Yanks in the semifinals at the London Games, Canada is expecting a sea of red-clad Canucks in the stands -- especially for a potential knockout-stage rematch against its archrival.
Minor Offense
Canada finished dead last at the 2011 Women's World Cup, with no points and a minus-six goal difference. The squad's four shots on goal were fewest of any team, and its only goal came on a Sinclair free kick against Germany.
Group-stage schedule
The first two matches will be played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, while the third will be held at Olympic Stadium in Montreal:
• June 6: China, 6 p.m. ET
• June 11: New Zealand, 9 p.m. ET
• June 15: Netherlands, 7:30 p.m. ET
Foudy's Take
With Netherlands as my surprise Group A winner, Canada should advance as the second-place team thanks to the play of captain and superstar Christine Sinclair. Canada coach John Herdman will have his team very well organized, as we saw when he led New Zealand in the last Women's World Cup.
Social Scene
Not something you see everyday. @keishaballa @canadapostcorp pic.twitter.com/cphdBg5lcm
- Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) April 28, 2015
