PREVIEW – The USWNT vs CanWNT game will take place in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final on April 9, 2024. The two North American rivals gave up the first goal in both of their previous games but were able to come from behind to win. The U.S. narrowly defeated Canada back on March 6, 2024, in penalty-kicks.
Note: Wins or losses in penalty-kicks or extra-time will count as draws in terms of form for both teams.
The 2024 SheBelieves Cup Final: A Rivalry Renewed
It's Championship Match Eve!!!
SheBelieves Cup, presented by @Visa pic.twitter.com/HtItvuzksg
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2024
USWNT (3-1-1)
Since that shocking loss to Mexico, the U.S. have won all their games in normal time. The only game where they did not win in normal time was against the Canadians in the Concacaf W Gold Cup semi-final round.
Specifically, when looking at the game against Japan (nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan), they faced problems as Kiko Seike scored the very early goal for Nadeshiko Japan. This is what USWNT head coach, Twila Kilgore, said about the game (source: Jeff Kassouf of ESPN):
“We’re always looking to be on the front foot,” USWNT interim coach Twila Kilgore said. “Yes, there’s times we sit in a block, but part of our DNA is to be on the front foot and make sure that we’re dictating play and influencing how other teams play and making it difficult to play against us.”
The ability to come from behind shows the character of a team. The U.S. was able to do that against Japan and also win in normal time. Yes, they are playing at home, but it shows the confidence they are having right now.
READ MORE: Korbin Albert Disrespected Country and Predecessors With Posts
This was also the first game after Korbin Albert had to apologize on social media. Albert deserves a second chance to redeem herself as we now look forward to the game on April 9, 2024, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
CanWNT (2-3-0)
The CanWNT has never lost a game this year in normal time. That is important thing to note as they get ready to face the USWNT on Tuesday, April. 10, 2024. They did however, go to at least extra-time three times in their last five games. This included a nail-biter against Brazil that could have gone either way. It was also not Canada’s best game, but they got the job done as noted by CanWNT head coach, Beverly Priestman (source: The Canadian Press of CBC):
READ MORE: CanWNT’s Jessie Fleming Stood Out In Game Against Brazil
Ju comes through 😤#CANWNT #SheBelievesCup pic.twitter.com/yWQhZkvs1Y
— CANWNT (@CANWNT) April 6, 2024
The thing Canada never does is give up. That has been clearly shown in the last two games. They came from behind twice against the U.S. before losing in penalties in the Concacaf W Gold Cup and then they came from behind to win in penalties against Brazil. Also, just like in Sweden in Tokyo 2020, Julia Grosso converted the penalty-kick. Adding to that, unlike the penalty shootout against USA, Canada looked confident and converted on their scoring opportunities. This team is resilient and expect a better game from them come April 9, 2024.
Players to Watch For Both Teams
READ MORE: CanWNT Playmaking Midfielder: Jessie Fleming
To single out one player, the CanWNT captain, Jessie Fleming, did not take a penalty in Saturday’s game. However, she made a big defensive play and assisted in Vanessa Gilles game-tying goal that forced the game to go into penalties. She is getting the best out of her national team, which is something she wanted to do after becoming captain of the team just two months ago (Source: Meaghen Johnson of TSN):
“I think for me, I just want to continue to develop as an individual and challenge myself as a leader, and get the best out of my teammates on this team,” Fleming told TSN.
The highlights from the opening match of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, presented by @Visa 🎥 pic.twitter.com/pp88qSLq2i
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 6, 2024
As for the USWNT, a player to watch out for is Jaedyn Shaw. In only 11 appearances, she has scored seven goals, which included goals scored against Canada in the Concacaf W Gold Cup and most recently a goal scored against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup.
The USWNT interim head coach, Twila Kilgore, had high praise for Jaedyn Shaw, who said this about her (source: Luka Litman of Fox Sports):
“What makes her such a great goal-scorer is her focus, it’s her calmness, and I believe that she’s looking at beating the goalkeeper and not necessarily the person that’s right in front of her,” Kilgore said. “She’s willing to take a risk on going back to finishing crosses, willing to take a risk and hit a first time [shot] or even take a risk and make a well-timed run and assume the ball is going to get there as opposed to waiting for the ball,” Kilgore continues, “And that sets her apart from other people.”
For Canada, the U.S. has many players to watch out for. However, one player they need to keep in mind is Shaw, who is in fantastic form right now.
Head-to-Head
READ MORE: Three Takeaways: CanWNT Battled Hard But Loses In Penalties
Since winning against the USWNT in Tokyo 2020, Canada has lost every time against the U.S. This includes the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, the 2023 SheBelieves Cup, and most recently the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. However, saying that, the closest of those three games was the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, which took place only last month on March 6, 2024. Canada was a mistake or two less away from winning that match and lost only in penalties against the USWNT. The Canadian Press of Sportsnet has covered what both head coaches said, starting with Canada’s head coach, Priestman:
“It’s great experience. The U.S. at home are a really tough team to beat,” said Priestman.
Kilgore, the U.S. head coach are also not taking Canada lightly:
“It is going to be a battle,” added Kilgore.
Also, the fact this is a final and some silverware could be won is something both teams are very much aware of.
USWNT vs CanWNT Game and Predictions: The 2024 SheBelieves Cup Final
Predictions: USWNT 1 – CanWNT 2
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This game can go either way. However, Canada will very likely play much better than they did against Brazil. They also played very well against the U.S. in the Concacaf W Gold Cup. Also, the expectation of Canada going back to the 3-4-3 formation will likely see benefits, if Priestman decides to go with that formation.
The 2024 SheBelievesCup Final will take place at Lower.com Field, in Columbus, Ohio at 7:00pm ET. The fourth-ranked U.S.A team looks to defend their SheBelieves Cup trophy against the ninth-ranked Canada team on April 9, 2024. The game will be shown live on OneSoccer, as well as Telus and FuboTV Inc. The same game will be shown in the U.S. live on TBS, Universo, Max and Peacock.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports, of a Jaedyn Shaw Headshot and a Vanessa Gilles Headshot, on March 6, 2024.
