Olympic Soccer [Women]: Where to watch the USWNT vs Canada on August 2, 2021

Preview

An old rivalry will be rekindled when USA and Canada go head to head in the semi-finals of the women’s soccer tournament at the ongoing Olympics. The North American countries know each other quite well and have contributed their respective quota to making it to this point of the competition. For starters, the United States began othe finals on a bad note by ending a remarkable unbeaten run that extends well over 2019. Against all odds, they found themselves at the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline in the contest with Sweden. 

Nevertheless, the ill-fortune did not last and was immediately overshadowed by the 6-1 mauling of New Zealand. Vlatko Andonovski’s ladies sealed progress into the quarter-final of the soccer competition by drawing 0-0 with Australia. In the quarter-final, a rather cagey encounter with Netherlands ended 2-2 and was subsequently decided on penalties which was won via a 4-2 scoreline by the USWNT. 

The Stars and Stripe failed to reach the final four in Brazil five years ago but are now eager in order to at least getting closer to the winning team. With five wins from the seven they have featured in, the current women’s World Cup holders should have enough firepower to get the best of my syStem. 

For the Canadians, they will only be keen on keeping their unbeaten run intact when they take on their neighbors in a penultimate clash. They started the tournament on a cool note, drawing 1-1 in the first game against Japan. They then defeat Chile 2-1 in the second group game before dropping two points in the 1-1 draw at Great Britain. 

Ahead of the upcoming clash, Canada’s women will be excited about the opportunity to finally avenge the four successive defeats they have picked up against the United States across all competitions. The two teams have met with each other more times than any other opponent in program history. The upcoming meeting is the third of its nature,  and the third between the two North Americans rivals.

At the 2008 Olympics, the USA earned a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals over Canada to extend their dominance and keep their winning run going. In 2012, the pair were involved in an epic clash, this time beating their rivals 4-3.

Key stats

• All 19 of the USA’s field players have been given minutes to feature for the national team at the event.

• Canada’s Jayde Riviere is banned in the semifinal after receiving two yellow cards very early into the game.

• Carli Lloyd has won the most Olympic appearances on the roster with 20 and the most -prolific at the Olympic goals with eight.

• Canada is unbeaten in its last eight matches.

• Carly Lloyd’s 20 career Olympic appearances rank second in USWNT history, trailing only Christie Pearce Rampone with 22.

Predicted starting XI

• USWNT: Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Kelley O’Hara, Lindsey Horan, Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Christen Press.

• Canada: Stephanie Labbe – GK, Ashley Lawrence, Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jayde Riviere Quinn, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, Jessie Fleming, Beckie,

Broadcast information

USA vs Canada Broadcast Information