The stage is about for the extremely anticipated Ladies’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and the joy amongst soccer fans is palpable. Kicking off on July 20, this quadrennial match options an expanded subject of 32 groups, up from 24, with 64 matches in retailer for followers worldwide.
Though Canada has a shot at World Cup success, the highlight shines brightest on the two-time defending World Cup champion, the US, as they embark on a quest for an unprecedented three-peat. Having triumphed within the 2015 occasion in Canada and the 2019 match in France, the American staff holds 4 World Cup titles, probably the most of any nation.
Canada’s greatest end at a World Cup was in 2015 in Edmonton when the staff made it to the quarter-finals.
Navigating the Match
The 32 taking part groups are divided into eight teams of 4, and the group stage runs from July 20 to August 3. Every staff faces a three-game, round-robin competitors to find out the highest finishers who will advance to the spherical of 16, scheduled for August 5-8. The quarterfinals will happen on August 11-12, with the 2 semifinal matches set for August 15-16. A 3rd-place recreation precedes the ultimate in Sydney on Aug. 19.
The ultimate match is about to air at 6 a.m. ET on Aug. 20.
Canada’s path
Canada’s match will get underway right now, July 20, at 10:30 p.m. when the staff tackles Nigeria. Different groups in Canada’s group embody the Republic of Eire, which they play July 26 and host nation Australia (July 31), which gained its first match versus Eire on July 20.
Canada has fallen to seventh on the planet rating, though the staff is defending Olympic champions. Australia is tenth whereas Eire and Nigeria are additional down the ladder at 22 and 40 respectively.
The US dynasty
The street to a 3rd consecutive title gained’t be simple for the US, given the elevated competitors and the arduous match format. Coached by Vlatko Andonovski, the staff will face formidable opponents in Group E, together with Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
The US staff’s opening match towards Vietnam in Auckland will probably be aired within the US on July 21 at 9 p.m. ET, showcasing the challenges of navigating time variations within the broadcast schedule.
Eyes on the gamers
The Ladies’s World Cup presents an array of star gamers, divided into two charming teams. Among the many veterans, Canada’s Christine Sinclair stands out as worldwide soccer’s all-time main scorer with a powerful 190 targets. Different notable figures embody Brazil’s Marta, Australia’s Sam Kerr, France’s Wendie Renard, and American Alex Morgan. Megan Rapinoe, set to look in her fourth World Cup, has introduced that this match will probably be her remaining look earlier than retiring from soccer.
For Toronto space soccer followers, there are various acquainted names to cheer on on the Toronto. There are eight gamers from the GTA together with a number of the stars of the staff.
One of many absolute phenoms on the staff is Brampton’s Kadeisha Buchanan who performs her skilled soccer with Chelsea FC. The three-time Canadian soccer participant of the yr will anchor the staff’s defence on the centre again place.
Becoming a member of Buchanan on defence is Ashley Lawrence, one other product of Brampton’s vaunted minor soccer league. Lawrence performs alongside Buchanan on Chelsea FC as nicely, so count on some well-established chemistry between the 2 stars.
Within the midfield, Quinn is trying to have a robust match. Take a look at our profile of Quinn right here.
For a full rundown of the roster together with the remainder of the GTA gamers go right here.
Different groups to look at
Whereas the US stays a formidable pressure and holds the highest spot within the FIFA rankings, contenders like Germany, ranked second, and Sweden, ranked third will undoubtedly current vital challenges to Canada. England, regardless of going through accidents to key gamers, can also be thought of a robust contender. Any sporting fan understands that Australia, on their house turf, will probably be a pressure to be reckoned with and particularly when the facet is boosted by the abilities of Sam Kerr.
Betting odds
FanDuel Sportsbook locations the US because the favorite to win the World Cup with odds of +240. Following carefully are Spain at +500 and England at +550. Canada is ranked at eleventh by way of betting odds to win the match at +4400.
Because the anticipation builds, soccer fans worldwide eagerly await the unfolding drama, electrifying performances, and historic moments that the Ladies’s World Cup will undoubtedly ship. From veterans showcasing their brilliance to younger stars rising to the event, this match guarantees a spectacular celebration of ladies’s soccer on the grandest stage.
The place to look at
Elephant & Fortress
Since 1997, Elephant & Fortress has been delighting prospects with pints and comforting British-style delicacies. They’re all about energetic enjoyable and soccer, so be part of them to catch one of many thrilling matches!
Cafe Diplimatico
Cafe Dip invitations you to drop by and revel in a refreshing pint of Carlsberg together with scrumptious pizza whereas watching the soccer video games. Don’t miss the prospect to win some unbelievable soccer swag, together with Carlsberg Yeti Coolers and Nike hats and hoodies from Canada Soccer! For early video games, they provide prolonged liquor service, and you may catch each dwell matches and reruns. Ensure to swing by Cafe Dip for a good time!
The Aviary
The Aviary is an inviting sports activities bar that takes immense satisfaction in creating a robust sense of group amongst its patrons. Boasting award-winning beers brewed on-site by Longslice Brewery the bar additionally options an attractive meals menu, a wide array of drinks, and freshly brewed craft beers, The Aviary gives a very pleasant expertise for all soccer fans trying to watch the video games in a welcoming and energetic surroundings.
In Canada, video games will probably be broadcast on TSN.
Here’s a checklist of nice sports activities bars in Toronto to look at the sport.