Canada vs. France Rio 2016: How to Watch Online, Start Time & Lineups

Canada has already impressed in Rio. It started when they scored just seconds in their first game, before beating Australia 2-0 with only 10 women on the field. Then, they stunned the European Champions, Germany, 2-1 to go undefeated through the group stage.

Today, they have a chance to not only impress, but inspire. The Canadian women's soccer team was the story of the London 2012 games after beating France to win a bronze medal. Today, they have a chance to get back into the headlines by once again beating the French.

Here are three stories to look at in today's game:

A Weird Tournament

Olympics soccer, as Canadians now know well, is really weird sometimes. This year's tournament has been particularly unpredictable, with Canada providing a lot of that narrative.

However, one thing that seems like a constant in women's soccer is the domination of the United States. Sydney 2000 is the only Olympic games that did not end with the United States at the top, as Norway beat them in the Gold Medal game. This year, however, there will be a new champion crowned as the United States lost in penalty kicks to Sweden.

Canada still won't be favourites by any means, they won't even be the favourites today, but if they can get past France, their chances at Olympic glory just got a whole lot bigger. The United States have dominated Canada historically and knocked them out of the last two Olympics.

Returning Faces

What made Canada's win over Germany extra special was who they did it without. The leading Olympic goalscorer, Janine Beckie, Canada's best player, Christine Sinclair and key defender Kadeisha Buchanan all did not play against Germany. The first two were rested, while Buchanan was sitting out with suspension.

All three will likely return to the starting lineup today, and their energy will be crucial to getting Canada past the French. Buchanan, in particular, will be tasked with shutting down a potent French attack that has opened up Canada in the past.

Meanwhile, both Beckie and Sinclair have a chance to cement their legacies if they can score the goal or goals that push Canada past the French. Although, Sinclair's legacy is set either way.

The Counter Attack

Canada has rarely been on the front foot in this tournament, but is it their counterattack that has them undefeated. Almost all of the goals they have scored in Rio have been the result of quick play up the field.

This will again be crucial if Canada wants to beat France, who are likely to possess the ball just as they did four years ago, they will need to make the most of their chances. Their best chances will likely come from counter attacks.

Lineups:

To be released at 5:00 p.m.

More Information:

Venue: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. Eastern

TV: CBC

Streaming: CBCSports.ca