'We can handle those threats': CanWNT approach Jamaica semi-final full of confidence
TORONTO – A subdued friendly in Toronto against South Korea followed by three promising group stage matches at the CONCACAF W Championship sees Canada head into the semi-finals with 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification under their belt.
After topping Group B with three wins, nine goals scored and none conceded, the Canadians avoided are premature meeting with rivals the United States and instead face Jamaica on Thursday.
The upcoming knockout stage, however, is naturally a tougher test with another Olympic berth and Gold Cup spot still on the table. Heading into the semi-finals, the team is set to have all parts of the pitch falls under microscope as they await new challenges.
During the opening rounds of the tournament the attention was focused on Canada’s struggling attack. As Christine Sinclair, Janine Beckie and other attackers carried the pressure up top, they eventually found their scoring touch with the help of some brilliant midfield additions.
GOAL 🇨🇦
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 11, 2022
JESSIE FLEMING gets on the board early for the #CanWNT, giving her team a 1-0 lead over Costa Rica after getting on the end of a perfect through pass by Nichelle Prince #CWC | 🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhgjL6 pic.twitter.com/mcasmj8SJz
Canada’s back line, however, rarely had opportunities to truly test their abilities.
This can be expected to change during the knockout rounds as Jamaica pose a new test.
"I think from the last time we've played them (Jamaica), they've added some really quality players to the roster," said midfielder Quinn ahead of the match.
"They have a lot of players that are now playing in top flights in both the US and in England, so I think it's going to be an exciting match and they're going to give us some unique threats … That being said, I think that we can handle those threats.
"I think that they're going to be more of an attacking presence than teams that we've faced previously in this tournament, so I think that's going to be an exciting challenge for us."
The stats show Jamaica will no doubt be a step up.
Bev Priestman’s squad faced a total of eight shots across three games and only four were on target. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and centre-backs Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles rarely interfered.
Their next opponents, however, are not going to shy away from testing Canada’s defence. Over three matches, they registered 29 shots, 14 on target and five hit the back of the net.
Like Quinn, Priestman recognizes the tougher challenge ahead.
"I've said this to the group that Jamaica that we played, I think it was 2020, is definitely not the Jamaica that we see now. I think everyone can see that from the tournament," said Priestman.
"They've got attacking, quick threats, that we've got to take care of. Our backline you could argue is world class [so] hopefully [they can] cope with that. But I do expect them to make it difficult, be compact, we have seen that from them across all the games."
One particular goal will be to shut down the individual threat of Manchester City striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, who acts as the focal point for Jamaica’s attack and has three goals to her name already.
"It's no hidden that she's good in the air, can turn, can travel with the ball quickly, can link things but also can run in behind," said Priestman.
"So I think us being aware of the threat and ready to deal with it, that's essentially what we need to do. And it's not just Bunny Shaw, there's players that run off Bunny and feed off her strengths."
GOAL 🇨🇦🇨🇦
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 12, 2022
SOPHIE SCHMIDT makes it 2-0 for the #CanWNT vs. Costa Rica, scoring a lovely curling goal just before the 70th minute of play#CWC | 🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhgjL6 pic.twitter.com/R5i9pdYUK3
Looking ahead though, it’s crucial the squad doesn’t adjust their approach too drastically and instead stays consistent with what they have been doing until this stage.
Breaking down every challenge as it arises throughout the rest of the tournament is the plan.
"I think if we can bring what we brought the other night against Costa Rica, after watching it back, I think that level of intensity in terms of winning the ball back, pressing our style in that sense," explained Priestman.
"I think [if] we bring that then then we can take a victory from the game."
