Tomorrow’s the day. Who really won the war of 1812. When you say ‘Burned down the White House’, what do you exactly mean. Who has the most obese children. Affordable Health Care act? Welcome to the twenty first century. Canada’s shorts or America’s hat?
None of these pertinent questions will be answered tomorrow. We will however see Canada and the United States do battle in Women’s soccer. The winner moves onto the final. Based on my unscientific skimming of twitter it seems the Yanks aren’t too concerned:
Congrats
@ussoccer women taking care on bizness against NZ. Dodged one, when canada beat GB. Brits would have been tough out At home in semi— Max Bretos (@mbretosESPN) August 3, 2012
While over the top jingoism isn’t normally my thing, words hurt, man. On Sunday reporters visiting with both camps compiled their previews for tomorrow’s clash. Good people of the internet, feel fortunate. We got some good stuff. First, Canadian head coach John Herdman on the USA’s tactics:
“One of the big threats we’ve got to take care of, and what we’ve paid attention to, is the illegal marking in the box on their corners and free kicks,” Herdman said. “Some of the blocking tactics, which are highly illegal, we’ll keep an eye on them in the game. We’ve starting working on that in training without trying to injure our players.”
Canada hasn’t beaten the States in 26 matches. The all time series is 43-3-5 in favor of the Americans. Yea not good. Herdman is channeling one of the greats in looking for any edge he can:
Canada coach John Herdman is pulling some Mourinho-esque mind games with claims of US dirty play. Contact in box common, but US no worse.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 5, 2012
Not to be outdone, outspoken American goalkeeper Hope Solo claims the Americans haven’t been tested yet because that’s what happens when you’re the number one team. My ability to feign outrage isn’t what it used to be unfortunately. Solo’s comments are relatively harmless, but they do reek of smugness. The Americans believe they dodged a bullet when Canada took out host Great Britain in the Quarterfinals.
Canada hasn’t won a Summer Games medal in a traditional team sport since 1936. Anything is possible, right?
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!!
It is a David versus Goliath matchup – but to quote coach Herdman): “I think the Olympics is one of those special occasions where things do happen, especially in these tournament formats. … This is what we’re trying to say, you know: ‘Dare to dream.’ You’ve got to be able to get out there and see something, see a bigger vision than normal people can see.”
Just Do It Canada!