2012 Women's Olympic Soccer Bronze Medal Game: Canada Will Ride Anger to Third

With the semifinal match against the United States seemingly stolen from them over two disputed calls, Canada can do nothing less than win its bronze medal game versus France today. A win continues debate on whether the Canadians were robbed in that game, a loss and that debate becomes a long forgotten footnote.

The task for the Canadians is to not only put the bitter taste of Monday’s loss out of their mouths, but swallow their pride and play their hearts out. If they show any sign of lament, the Canadians are doomed. Although the gold is not on the line, it is the Olympics after all, and a bronze medal is certainly not to be taken for granted. One of the beauties of the sport is how an individual or team can overcome adversity or crumble in the wake of it.

As passionate as they were following the result of the game against the Americans, the Canadians must now unleash that fire in their final match of the games. France is the innocent bystander caught in the cross-hairs of the Canadian wrath.

“I wouldn’t want to be the team that plays us next,” Canadian star Christine Sinclair said to the Associated Press.

Led by Sinclair’s hat trick in that semifinal game, Canada’s outspoken forward has to get on the tally sheet against France. Sinclair is tied with Abby Wambach on the international scoring list for second all time with 143 goals, trailing Mia Hamm’s 158 scores.

The French had its own share of disappoint in its semifinal contest with Japan, getting edged 2-1. France had a chance to tie the score late in that match but failed to convert a penalty kick. The key for France will be goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi who will likely have to contend with a Canadian barrage early on in the match.

If Bouhaddi can keep the Canadians off the scoreboard in the first half, it’s anybody’s game. If not, Canada will ride its fury to victory and have a legitimate contention that they should have played for the gold.