Canada vs. France Women's Olympic Soccer: What Canada Must Do to Bounce Back

The Canadian women's soccer team may be out of the running for the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, but there's still a chance of capturing the bronze medal.

On the other hand, taking home the bronze won't be easy, either.

Canada faces France on Thursday in the bronze medal match. The French, as you may remember, gave Japan a scare in the late minutes of the semifinals. The side is not to be taken lightly.

Here's a look at what Canada must do to finish the 2012 Summer Games off strong.

Get Christine Sinclair/Melissa Tancredi Going

Christine Sinclair and Melissa Tancredi have accounted for 10 of Canada's 11 goals in the Summer Games this year.

Sinclair leads the side with six goals. She scored three goals against the United States in the semifinals with just four shot attempts. The 29-year-old has the ability to single-handedly change games—she's won FIFA's World Player of the Year award five times in her career and Canada Soccer Player of the Year seven times.

Canada may have allowed eight goals in the Summer Games thus far, but France has allowed seven goals. You can find holes in the French defense from time to time.

Tighten Up Defense

Speaking of Canada's defense, the Canadians have given up the most goals out of the remaining four teams in London this summer.

When Canada last faced France in the 2011 World Cup, the side got blown out, 4-0, allowing the French to get off 23 shots (10 on goal).

France, like Canada, has scored 11 goals in the Summer Games so far. This team has the ability to score in bunches (at least when it isn't facing Japan).

Canada must get serious on defense or it's going to be a long match.

Stay Focused

Canada has a respectable three yellow cards in London this summer, but two of those came against the United States in the semifinals (including one from top player Melissa Tancredi).

Marie-Eve Nault was also penalized in the 80th minute of that match for a hand ball, which resulted in Abby Wambach's equalizer before extra time.

Canada has to be more careful if it expects to medal. People forget that Canada had the lead over the U.S. as late as the 79th minute in the semifinals. One play here or there could have changed history.

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