Among all the tales of Olympic determination that this Canadian women’s soccer team has crafted over the years, this might be their most gripping yet.
The bronze medal at London 2012 was a pivotal moment, and the gold at Tokyo 2020 was euphoric. However, the squad’s unity and perseverance amidst adversity at Paris 2024 have been truly remarkable—and they’ve earned them a chance to defend their gold medal.
Following a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening match, the team found itself engulfed in controversy. Head coach Bev Priestman was suspended, and the team faced a six-point deduction due to a drone being flown over a New Zealand training session.
Many felt the penalty was unduly harsh on the players, who had no involvement in the incident. Retired legends Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbé even stated they had never seen any drone footage during their extensive time with the national team.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the players faced an uphill battle on Day 2. They were up against No. 2-ranked France, playing on French soil, all while contending with the weight of the escalating controversy.
Despite the obstacles, they persevered.
Battling together
With only each other to depend on, the players delivered one of their most determined and spirited performances in years.
Despite a first-half goal by France in front of a fervent crowd at the 42,000-seat Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, the Canadians refused to be discouraged. Jessie Fleming equalized in the second half, and a series of delays resulted in an astonishing 13 minutes of stoppage time being added.
In those final moments, the Canadians relentlessly attacked the French goal, knowing that a goal was their only chance for survival.
In the dying seconds, an unexpected hero emerged. Defender Vanessa Gilles, advancing in the team’s final push, seized a rebound and scored the decisive goal.
With two wins and six points, the penalty had been wiped out, but Canada still needed a victory over Colombia on Day 5 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The official appeal against the six-point deduction had been rejected earlier on Wednesday.
Gilles said the players were “gutted” by the decision but remained focused on the Colombia match. “We had to go in and win,” he said. “We needed to believe in each other and stick together.”
In the game, Fleming delivered a superb free kick in the 20th minute, but Jordyn Huitema’s header went just wide. While Colombia pressed forward, the defense, led by Gilles, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Jade Rose, held strong.
The second half saw Nichelle Prince’s entry bring new energy to Canada’s attack. The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Fleming’s precise free kick was headed into the Colombian goal by Gilles.
Known for their strong organization, the players tightened up defensively to secure a 1-0 win. “A lot has been taken away from us as players,” Gilles said. “But the one thing we can control, the one thing they can’t take away from us, is what happens on the pitch.”
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Sure! How about "Journey Back to the Podium"?
For only the second time since Rio 2016, Canada has won all three of its group stage games. However, a point deduction in Paris has placed them second in Group A, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Germany on Saturday.
Germany, a longstanding powerhouse in the sport, is currently ranked No. 4 in the world, while Canada is at No. 8.
The road back to the podium has always been challenging for Canada, even before the recent controversies. This year's Olympic tournament is teeming with strong teams, with several being serious medal contenders.
To retain their title as Olympic champions, Canada's players will need to stay focused, rise above the distractions, and succeed in a series of high-stakes, must-win matches.
Can they pull it off again? They’ve done it before.
“We’ve already faced knockout rounds twice, so we have the experience,” Gilles noted.
Regardless of how things turn out for this team at Paris 2024, these players will be remembered for their composure and determination.