Canada vs. Zimbabwe Rio 2016: How to Watch Online, Lineups & Thread

After a heart-thumping victory to open Rio 2016, what does Canada have planned for its next act? Most will be hoping for something more relaxing, as Canada take on world number 93 from Zimbabwe in a match they really should win by a significant margin.

If they do, they will have booked their ticket to the knockout stage of the tournament, and will likely do so in at least second place in a difficult Group F. Here are three stories to look out for in today's match:

The Centreback Swap

Rebecca Quinn was very, very good in her Olympic debut against Australia. In fact, she single-handedly saved at least one goal. The 20-year-old from Toronto is expected to get the start again tonight as Shelina Zhadorsky will miss the match due to red card suspension.

Alongside Kadeisha Buchanan, the pair is  not likely to be tested often, but will have to remain vigilant throughout the match. Zimbabwe, after all, will be looking for any opportunity to catch the Canadians off guard and get an unlikely goal, just like they did against Germany in their tournament opener.

An Unknown Opponent

Canada has never met Zimbabwe before in women's soccer, and likely do not know all that much about their opponent. As the narrative goes, however, sometimes this is a good thing. It will allow Canada to focus on their own game exclusively, trying to implement it in the match.

This match will be a good test for Canada's offence and whether or not they can break down a side who will likely be defending for their life tonight. Canada doesn't have many offensive threats, but maybe can get a few more going tonight with goals.

Need to be Cautious

Canada will have two players going into this match on yellow cards, but depth wise one is significantly more important than the other. Canada has other options should Rhian Wilkinson earn a second yellow card, and thus a suspension. The same cannot be said of Buchanan.

Picking up another yellow card today would mean missing Canada's final group game against Germany, but that would be preferable to sitting out a quarterfinal match. Discipline is reset in the semi-final round of the tournament.

Lineups:

To be released at 1:00 p.m.

More Information:

Venue: Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. Eastern

TV: CBC

Streaming: CBCsports.ca