Canada Win Opening Match Despite Off-Field Circus

Both Sides Look to Continue Winning Starts

Canada picked up a 2-1 comeback win over New Zealand in their women’s Olympic soccer opener despite, or because of, the spying scandal they’re currently embroiled in. Now, the defending gold medalists take on hosts France in a key Group A match on Sunday.

France survived a late scare to defeat Colombia 3-2 and need to keep focused for 90 minutes. Here, the France vs Canada women’s soccer odds list the hosts as favorites. We’ll check out the odds for the match and discuss how the scandal, which has led to Canada coach Bev Priestman’s dismissal from the Olympics, will affect the Canucks going forward.

France vs Canada Head-to-Head

This is the third France vs Canada women’s soccer match in Olympic history. Canada have been the team to knock France out in both of Les Bleues’ appearances in the Olympics.

Canada defeated France 1-0 in the Rio 2016 Quarter-Final and 1-0 in the London 2012 bronze medal game. Interestingly enough, those are Canada’s only two wins in the last 12 meetings of this fixture.

They last met in 2023, when France grabbed a 2-1 victory in a friendly. France are unbeaten in the last three head-to-head matchups.

France Survive Scare

Things started auspiciously enough for France in their opening game against Colombia. They scored three goals in the first half as Marie-Antoinette Katoto managed a brace, and Kenza Dali hit a screamer that careened off the crossbar and in.

However, Colombia bombarded France in the second half and nearly turned things around. The Colombians scored a penalty in the 54th minute and made it 3-2 ten minutes later. That set up a nervy last phase of the match, and Colombia had chances to equalize.

Regardless, France will take the three points and should learn some lessons from the game. In a talented Olympic field, France can’t afford to take their foot off the gas pedal. They are third-favorites to win the tournament, behind the USA and Spain, at +500 soccer betting odds.

After this match against Canada, France have New Zealand on the women’s soccer schedule. France have qualified for the knockout stage in both of their previous appearances at the Olympics.

Coach Herve Renard led France to the Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals last year, and they’re ranked second in the world at the moment.

Canada Pull off Comeback

Canada won 2-1 against New Zealand in their Olympic opener despite coach Bev Priestman’s suspension. Priestman cannot coach for the remainder of the Olympic Games and could be sacked after the tournament’s conclusion.

Canada were caught spying on a New Zealand training session with a drone, which led to a Canada staffer’s arrest and Priestman’s dismissal.

Assistant coach Andy Spence has taken over head coaching duties, and one of his substitutions made the difference on Thursday. With the score 1-1 deep into the match, Evelyne Viens scored the winning goal for defending gold medalists Canada.

Canada have three medals in the Olympic Games, which have come in consecutive tournaments. They won gold at Tokyo 2020 and bronze in both 2016 and 2012.

After failing to get out of the group at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Canada haven’t lost a 90 minute match in 2024, even without retired legend Christine Sinclair. They are also unbeaten in two games against the USA this year, excluding penalties, and are on a 15-game scoring streak.

Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, and Kadeisha Buchanan are three key players for this Canadian side.

France vs Canada Match Analysis & Odds

Hosts France are -167 favorites for this match and their attack is deadly when they’re on their game. Kadidiatou Diani may not score as much as Katoto, but she is a nightmare to play against.

• The France vs Canada women’s soccer odds also price Canada as +450 underdogs, and they’re facing their first big test of the tournament.

Without their coach and a scandal rocking their team, it’ll be interesting to see if the Canadian players lose any focus. A draw sits at +300 odds, and a point would keep both teams on course for the knockout stage.

While France -0.5, -1 stands at -133, bettors can find Canada +0.5, +1 at +105. France are 0-2 against Canada at the Olympics but this is an excellent chance for Les Bleues’ to get their first win over Canada in the competition. Canada were -333 favorites in their match against New Zealand and it took a late comeback to grab three points.

Under 2.5 goals also sit at -118 odds, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams on the scoresheet on Sunday.

For soccer betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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