Despite ‘DroneGate’ clouding the proceedings of Canada meeting New Zealand in the first meeting of Group A, the reigning champions worked past the Kiwi defence in the end to walk away with the win. With both teams wanting to redeem themselves after lacklustre Women’s World Cup results last summer, the two side met in Saint-Étienne to get the Olympic competition underway. Here are 4 things we learnt from the opening game in group A.

Canada, speedy in attack, what to show of it?

The attacking front line of Cloé Lacasse, Adriana Leon and Nichelle Prince was clearly an act of speed, speed, speed. With the wingbacks of Ashley Lawrence and Gabrielle Carle also bringing the pace in overlapping out wide, it was an on obvious approach to outrun the defence.

And yet, in classic Canadian style, the final product lacked in the first half. Good movements from all the attackers, with speed to get past the defence, lacked the final key touch to hit the back of the net. It wasn’t until just moments before half time that Cloé Lacasse, Canada’s most dangerous attacker in the first half, found the back of the net.

Whilst Canada equalise against the Kiwis, the lack of a clinical edge was obvious in the one goal, from 10 shots in the first half. It’s a story that comes out of the reigning Olympic champions all too often. And it didn’t seem to change in any way going into the Paris 2024.

New Zealand, defensively sound

Whilst Canada connected well, it can not go unmentioned that the New Zealand defence worked strong together. The back four of Mackenzie Barry, Rebekah Stott, Katie Bowen and Catherine Bott worked to crush any attack that fought it’s way into the box. The four marked the attacking line inch-perfect, making sure any chances that were had were squashed before they were acted upon.

When the attackers did get past the strucuted defensive, Aston Villa’s Anna Leat worked well to defend too. Between collecting high balls superbly, to good dives to gather shots across the floor, Leat worked double time to keep the hard work of her defence worth it. Working incredibly well as a unite, the defensive abilities of the New Zealand team, even in the absence of Ali Riley, shone in the first half.

Captain Fleming, the engine

It is not exactly a secret, but Jessie Fleming is the heart and sole of the Canadian National Team. Her first major tournament as the captain, despite wearing the armband at others in the absence of Christine Sinclair, Fleming once again proved that she is the silent playmaker in midfield. With a magnificent assist for the second goal, the midfielder truly showed her immense talent.

Amongst a midfield with Quinn, as well as the previously mentioned wingbacks, Fleming has the freedom and space to make the most of her game. Her pace, awareness and need for space, helps this Canada side build their speedy attack from the midfield. The Portland Thorns player has often looked her best in her national team shirt, and this game is proving it still. The hero of 2020 continues in 2024.

Formation Station: Canada’s New Groove

Following the disappointment of the Women’s World Cup last summer, Canada’s move to a back three was the best move for the side. An immensely solid base of Vanessa Giles, Jade Rose and Kadeisha Buchanan has proven itself time and time again, and this game against New Zealand was no different.

Likewise, the move to place Ashley Lawrence as a wingback helps her shine. Attacking the box with speed and precision, overlapping to create chances and having shots of her own, Lawrence made the wing spaces her own, and combined incredibly well with the likes of Leon and Lacasse to make the most of her involvement.

And through the middle, the midfield works with fluidity and style to create, and defend with excellence. From Fleming’s superb assist to Evelyne Viens’ finish, Canada played fluid, and beautiful football to start off their reigning campaign in style. The move to a 3-5-3 proving again that the move to this formation has worked wonders for Canada, and they look wholly a different team since last summer.

A mere three years may have passed since Canada saw gold in Tokyo, but with a new formation, fluid movement, and two good goals, they got the win over New Zealand whilst looking like a completely different side to down under last summer. Whilst they got the first goal and were solidly defensive, a lack of organic attack and over emphasis on defending at all costs ended up costing New Zealand. But this was only the first game, and everything is still to play for in Paris.
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