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For the second straight Olympic games the Canadian women's national team has a chance to win a medal. Four years ago, they claimed bronze at the London Olympics after a narrow victory over the French. Today, in Rio, they can repeat that feat by defeating the host Brazilians.
While it is going to be tough for Canada to mentally reset after coming so close to the Gold medal game, they know that leaving these Olympics without a medal would be even tougher.
Here are three stories going into today's match:
The Home Crowd Advantage
For the most part in this tournament, Canada has been playing in front of neutral or pro-Canadian crowds. That certainly won't be the case today when they take on Brazil in Sao Paulo. Brazil will get an extra boost from their fanbase today.
However, after playing in front of a rather dead crowd during their semi-final against Germany, one with a little more energy might be a welcome sight for the Canadian women. After all, they did defeat the host nation in London as well in front of a pro Great Britain crowd.
Goalless Hosts
Canada's match against Germany was the first time all tournament that they have been held without a goal, although not for a lack of opportunties. Brazil, however, has not scored in Rio since slapping Sweden 5-1 in their second group stage match.
The Canadians won't be looking to give Brazil a chance to get back on the scoresheet today, and need to play tight defensively if they want to pull out a win. Brazil also hasn't conceded a goal since the group stage, and have only allowed one all tournament long.
So today, as one would expect, might come down to a single goal.
Sinclair vs. Marta
Today two of the best women's soccer players of all time will go head to head in what could be their final meeting on the Olympic stage. Christine Sinclair and Marta are 33 and 30 respectively and sit 2nd and 14th all-time for goals scored in international women's play.
This tournament has seen mixed results for the pair. Sinclair has a pair of goals and an assist at this tournament, but has struggled to make a big impact in the knockout round. Marta, meanwhile, scored twice against Sweden but hasn't since.
Lineup:
Sinclair(c), Labbé, Buchanan, Zadorsky, Rose, Matheson, Bélanger, Lawrence, Scott, Tancredi, Fleming
More Information:
Venue: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. Eastern
TV: CBC Sports
Streaming: CBCSports.ca