Rise Higher

In 2007, it was a late Australian equalizer that killed Canada’s chances of progressing through the group stages. In 2007, like in 2023, Canada’s tournament didn’t start the way they wanted it to. Canada faced Norway for their first match in 2007 and lost 2-1. Canada rebounded for their second match against Ghana—a comfortable 4-0 win, including two goals from Sinclair and one from Schmidt. Then, it came down to the final match. Canada headed into the final group game against Australia with 3 points. Australia had 4 points, Norway had 4 points, and Ghana had 0. It seemed foreordained that Norway would beat Ghana, so the second-place spot in the group was up for grabs. It all depended on the Australia v Canada game. If Canada won, they’d be through.

All they needed was a win—nothing else would do.

Canada started the match brightly as Melissa Tancredi scored one of the fastest goals ever at the WC just 32 seconds into the match. That 1-0 lead held until the 53rd minute when Australia equalized. In a last-minute push, Sinclair scored in the 85th minute to give Canada the lead.

The job seemed done.

Then, in the 90+2nd minute, Australia equalized—and ended Canada’s hopes of making it out of the group stage.

“It was just a roller coaster. To go from thinking you are moving on to the ultimate low, knowing you are going home, it’s hard. We are all just sort of stunned.” – Sinclair to CTV

Now, 16 years later, Canada is once again in a position where they will need points against Australia to progress through the groups, or lose and risk relying on an unlikely outcome in the match between Nigeria and Ireland.

Going into the final match-day, Canada sits second behind Nigeria on GF, and one point ahead of Australia. Nigeria will likely win against Ireland, giving Nigeria 7 points. If Canada wins against Australia, they will be tied with 7 points and it will come down to goal differential. A draw will also see Canada through, albeit likely in second position in the group. A loss to Australia, combined with a Nigeria win, would see Canada exit in the group stage. An unexpected Ireland win would mean it all comes down to goal differential, and then goals scored, between Canada and Nigeria—criteria on which Nigeria is already winning.

They’ll be facing a more challenging Australian side bolstered by home crowd support—an Australian side that needs a win, or their home campaign is over.

Will Canada be able to exorcise their 2007 demons and take control of their destiny? Or will they fail to rise to the occasion?