What to look for from Canada in friendlies vs. Australia
The two-game series is a delicate balancing act for Canada between honouring Christine Sinclair and preparing for an important 2024.
There are few rivalries in international women's soccer that are as evenly matched as Canada vs. Australia.
The all-time series between the nations is tied at eight wins and three draws in 19 games since their first game against each other on Dec. 12, 1997. Canada has lost just three of the last 12 meetings (with seven wins), but Australia earned a 4-0 win in Melbourne to advance to the group stage of this summer's FIFA World Cup and eliminate the Canadians.
“I’m not calling it a revenge game. It has to be about how this game will help move us forward,” coach Bev Priestman said.
Canada is No. 10 in the current FIFA world rankings, one spot above Australia, which makes their upcoming two-game series – Dec. 1 in Langford, B.C., Dec. 5 in Vancouver – a crucial one for both teams. The Canadians will use these friendlies to prepare for the Concacaf W Gold Cup in February and next summer's Paris Olympics, while the Australians face a crucial two-legged Olympic qualifying playoff vs. Uzbekistan the same month.
Here are some things to look out for from Canada in this pair of international friendlies.
