Â鶹´«Ã½

Sports

Heat concerns push Canada-Sweden gold medal soccer match to Friday night

Members of the Canada women's Olympic soccer team take a break during their practice the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Gregory Strong Members of the Canada women's Olympic soccer team take a break during their practice the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Gregory Strong
Share
CHIBA, Japan -

Kadeisha Buchanan sprayed sunscreen on her arms. Desiree Scott took a big swig from a water bottle. Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbe chatted while stretching out under the blazing sun.

The Canadian women's soccer team prepared for the sweltering conditions expected in Friday's gold-medal game by training outdoors a day earlier in the same time window. The Swedish players did the same at a different training field.

Later Thursday, the teams got the news they were hoping for. Olympic organizers had moved the kickoff from Friday at 11 a.m. local time - right in the heart of the midday heat - to 9 p.m. instead.

"I think the change makes absolute sense for the spectacle of what the game can be," said Canadian head coach Bev Priestman.

In addition to the kickoff change (now Friday at 8 a.m. eastern time rather than Thursday at 10 p.m. ET), the venue was also moved from Tokyo's Olympic Stadium to International Stadium Yokohama, a Canada Soccer spokeswoman said.

Both federations supported a time change out of concern for the players' health and safety. Midday temperatures in the mid-30s were expected again Friday with the humidex making it feel more like the low 40s.

"For anyone tuning in around the world, it'll be a much better game because of (the change)," Priestman said. "I just can't wait to get going."

The change was made after FIFA, the sport's governing body, along with the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, reviewed plans for the final.

"In order to continue to provide the best possible conditions for the players, and having taken into consideration the impact of weather conditions at the Olympic Stadium over the last few days, it has been confirmed that this match will now take place at 21:00 at the International Stadium Yokohama," the Tokyo 2020 communications team said in an email.

On Thursday morning, the Canadians trotted out on the grass at Inage Kaihin Park near Tokyo for a 90-minute training session in conditions they thought would be virtually identical to those expected at game time.

The mood was breezy as players did light drills for the 15-minute period that was open to media. Coolers with water bottles were stationed at the sidelines and a stereo blasted a mix of summery tunes.

The session wrapped up just over an hour later. Priestman and Swedish counterpart Peter Gerhardsson were originally scheduled to hold separate mid-afternoon media availabilities in the Olympic village.

But when organizers pushed those news conferences well into the evening, it sparked speculation that an announcement might be forthcoming.

The original late-morning kickoff was an almost unprecedented early start time for an international soccer match. Most of Canada's games have been played in the evening at this tournament.

"I know that this group is so good at adapting, so we were ready for the 11 a.m. kickoff," said Canadian defender Ashley Lawrence. "But I completely agree, I think it's great that we can play at 9 p.m., just with the weather.

"And for both teams, it's going to make for a better game."

The eighth-ranked Canadians have been riding high after topping the Americans 1-0 -- their first win over the U.S. in 20 years -- in the semifinal. No. 5 Sweden advanced with a 1-0 victory over Australia.

"We're still pinching ourselves that we're here," Canadian forward Janine Beckie said after the training session. "But I like that about this group. We're not satisfied at all. I think looking at training today, we're as fresh as we could be going into this game.

"But we have a lot of respect for the Swedish team. Obviously a fantastic group of players that have done really well in this tournament."

Sweden (5-0-0) has outscored its opposition 13-3 at the Games. Canada (3-0-2) is also unbeaten, tallying five times overall while conceding three goals.

Canada is coming off back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. Sweden settled for silver at the 2016 Rio Games after falling to Germany in the final.

Sweden eliminated Canada in the round of 16 at the 2019 Women's World Cup. Stina Blackstenius, who has scored four times in Tokyo, had the lone goal.

Sinclair, the veteran captain who leads all players with 187 career international goals, anchors a Canadian side that has 12 returning players from the Rio squad. Fifteen of the 22 players on the full squad have at least 50 caps.

"Since the World Cup we've been talking about getting to play in a gold-medal match," said midfielder Jessie Fleming, who scored from the penalty spot in Canada's semifinal win. "So I think we've had our sights set on this for a long time.

"Not to say this is where we expected to be, but I think this is where we wanted to be and we were prepared to be."

The Canadians showed no signs of any big-game jitters on Thursday. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

The players seemed cool, comfortable and confident. Before starting the training session, Sinclair and a few teammates even hammed it up a little for photographers on the sideline.

"The feeling is light, bright and ready to go," Beckie said.

The United States edged Australia 4-3 in the bronze-medal game on Thursday evening.

In the men's tournament, host Japan was to face Mexico for bronze on Friday night. Organizers changed the start time to 6 p.m. local time from 8 p.m. Brazil was to meet Spain for gold on Saturday night.

The Canadian women own a 5-14-4 record in all-time head-to-head meetings against Sweden.

Sweden beat Canada 2-1 when they met in the 2013 Women's World Cup semifinal. Beckie scored in Canada's most recent win over Sweden, a 1-0 decision in a 2017 friendly.

Canada is riding a nine-match unbeaten streak overall, covering four friendlies and five games in Tokyo (4-0-5 with six clean sheets).

"We're resilient, we're fighters," Beckie said. "We'll fight for one another. Our team culture always shines through. That's our X-factor 100 per cent."

-- With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2021.

 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

Canada

  • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

  • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

  • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

  • A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province’s police watchdog.

World

Politics

  • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

Health

Sci-Tech

Entertainment

Business

Lifestyle

Sports

Autos

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

  • LIVE

    LIVE

    Thousands of people are gathered in downtown Vancouver to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

  • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

  • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

  • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

  • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

  • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

  • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

  • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

  • CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.

  • After months of controversy surrounding a dog park in Ottawa's west end, a solution has been reached to divide the park in half.

  • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

  • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

  • Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the STM.

  • LIVE @ 10:45 A.M. MT

    LIVE @ 10:45 A.M. MT

    Monday is Remembrance Day, a time to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

  • WEATHER

    WEATHER

    This is shaping up to be one of the warmest Remembrance Days in the past decade, at least, for temperatures.

  • Many Maritimers turned out in wet and windy weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

  • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

  • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

  • Remembrance Day is today, and a number of ceremonies are taking place around the province to honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

  • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

  • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

  • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

  • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

  • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

  • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

  • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

  • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

  • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

  • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

  • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

  • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

  • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

  • Barrie residents gathered on Monday to honour Canada’s veterans and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the country.

  • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

  • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

  • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

  • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

  • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

  • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

  • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

  • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

  • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

  • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

  • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

  • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

  • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

  • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

  • Mayors of the five largest cities in northern Ontario met in North Bay the last two days to discuss a range of critical issues impacting their cities and the region.

N.L.

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

Stay Connected
Follow Â鶹´«Ã½