Canadian 11: McLeod, Nault, Sesselmann, Moscato, Wilkinson, Matheson, Scott, Schmidt, Sinclair, Tancredi, Filigno
Jeff Blair here. Terrific day in Coventry. Warm, sunny, pitch immaculate
A quick question before we get going here Jeff. One big factor in today’s game is going to be how Canada responds to the U.S. loss in the semi-final. Did yesterday’s training session give you a feel for where this team is physically and mentally?
Melissa Tancredi said France were her pre-tournament favourite. "Very strong technically," she said. "I have a lot of respect for them as opponents.":
Canada gets big edge in crowd support.
Jeff, can you give us your take on what John Herdman has meant to the national team in his short tenure? What have been the biggest changes/improvements?
Biggest changes have been fitness level and confidence. Tactically, they press higher up. Moving Sinclair to midfield was a move that should have been done five years ago.
Lots of cries of 'allez les bleus.'
Canada not playing back as much as they did against the U.S. Back line much higher up, moving much faster. Scott shows no signs of her injury.
We're just five minutes in, but France seems set on attacking on the right side.
First corner to Canada. Sophie Schmidt's been terrific this series.
Good observation Darren. Marie-Eve Nault is considered the weakest link in the Canadian back line.
Little bit of pressure there from Canada, but nothing comes of it.
Sinclair's playing higher up. Almost 4-4-3
Very slow start here. Neither team able to string much together.
Gut feeling is that Jonelle Filigno has good match. She's come close to a couple of nice runs. Not sure France will take her out physically the way the U.S. did.
First corner for Les Bleus. Guard the post, girls.
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France showing Canada lot of respect. One, maybe two forwards in box. Surprisingly tentative from France.
Scott moving really, really well. She's become a force in this tournament.
Sophie Schmidt set in nicely. Sinclair, Filigno good linkup. Sinclair gets off great effort just high. Great one touch.
Wondering how many people following have girls in soccer.
We're at the 15 minute mark. So far, very quiet.
Hey, Bob. John Herdman thinks LeBlanc is a little behind McLeod in fitness. He likes McLeod's ability to distribute the ball.
France looks much more nervous than Canada. Very surprised. This is exactly the start Canada wants. Now, let's see McLeod make a big save.
Sophie Schmidt just picked the ball off thinney's foot.
Hey Dale, thanks for joining us. We'll do our best.
We'll keep you informed Dale. Again .... anybody got any questions, throw them oiut there.
Crowd largely in favour of Canada. Lots of kids here with Union Jacks.
Just past 21 minutes. Game has slowed to a crawl.
Jon, we're restricted a bit in play by play by IOC rules.
Referee is Jenny Palmqvist of Sweden.
France with a throw from deep in the Canada zone, but do nothing with it.
Back ... phew. Love technology. Got to say this team seems as relaxed as it was before Sweden and GBR and U.S. My only concern is the health of DMF Desiree Scott and Diana Matheson, both five-feet one or two. They expended a lot of energy in the U.S. game and France is blazingly quick.
