Canada kick off their Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying campaign this evening.
Supporters are perhaps met with a sense of déjà vu as the Canadian national team gear up for another CONCACAF Olympic qualifying campaign.
Canada crashed out of last year’s World Cup in the Round of 16, similar to their 2011 and 2015 campaigns.
The team fell from 4th to 8th in the FIFA world rankings after uncharacteristic defeats to Japan and the Brazilians.
However, the summer Olympics have historically been a more successful tournament for the CANWNT. They brought home back-to-back bronze medals in London in 2012, and Rio in 2016.
Embed from Getty ImagesCoach Kenneth Heiner-Møller has named a squad of familiar faces for the Tokyo 2020 qualifying tournament. Canada take on 127th-ranked St. Kitts and Nevis tonight in Edinburg, Texas.
Notable omissions include striker Evelyne Viens – the fifth overall pick in the NWSL draft earlier this month.
A record to smash
Much of the news surrounding the Canadian camp has revolved around Christine Sinclair. The increasing likelihood is that she will break the all-time goal-scoring record, currently held by Abby Wambach.
The Canadian captain is notorious for repeatedly deflecting questions revolving around the record, choosing instead to focus on team performance and results.
However, she was asked in June if it would be especially meaningful to beat Wambach. Between whom and Canadian supporters there is no love lost.
“I think for me it’s the fact that it’s an American…,” Sinclair cheekily replied. “Any American.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Canadian women’s national team will look to put aside a disappointing 2019 season by kicking off their qualifying campaign with a win.
While the prospect of a history-making tournament for Sinclair is certainly of note, the majority of supporters will be following their captain’s lead and focusing on the results…
Which will hopefully lead to a highly anticipated ticket to Tokyo in July.
