Canada faces tough competition in Women's World Cup's Group B
CBC
Canada begins play this week in the FIFA Women's World Cup, lumped in the tournament's formidable Group B that has been coined this year's version of the Group of Death.
It's being called that because, along with Australia, Ireland and Nigeria, each is capable of defeating the other, creating an unpredictability in which team will move on to the tournament's knockout rounds.
It's good to note that despite not having a sendoff match at home, Canada, ranked No. 7 in the world, played the No. 4-ranked England Lionesses to a draw on Friday in a pre-tournament friendly.
No media or spectators were allowed in to watch, so while it's tough to judge the play and make technical comparisons, there is optimism for Canada in playing tough against an opponent viewed as a serious threat to win the Women's World Cup. The Lionesses emerged as champions in last year's Euro tournament.
WATCH | 1-on-1 with Canada coach Bev Priestman:
And Canada managed the result despite some notable absences (Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby) from the lineup because of injury.
So here's a look at what Canada will face in the group stage. (All times ET)
Game 1: vs. Nigeria, July 20, 10:30 p.m., in Melbourne.
In 2022, Canada played two games each against both Australia and Nigeria, winning three but drawing one against Nigeria. The Super Falcons have won Africa's continental championship multiple times and are a mainstay at Women's World Cup tournaments.
They lost to Morocco and Equatorial Guinea recently, but have a roster that is undeniably talented and boast one of the most thrilling players in the world in Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala plays for Barcelona FC and is the only African woman to have won the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy twice. Her success within women's soccer has made history and she is an attacking force on the field.
Oshoala's UEFA championship came at the expense of some other group B players, such as Chelsea FC's Jessie Fleming and Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada) and Sam Kerr (Australia). Might they be seeking retribution for club play in international competition?
Whoever is seeking to score will have to put it past Nigeria's goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie. Nnadozie is an elite goalkeeper for Paris St. Germain in France's Division 1 Féminine, arguably the best women's league in Europe.
But Nigeria, at No. 40 the lowest ranked in the group, is not without its trials and tribulations. It has been widely reported that they are at odds with their federation about pay inequity — an unfortunate similarity with the Canadian players. Nigerian coach Randy Waldrun said publicly there are players who have not been paid for two years.
