Olympic Women’s Football defending champions Canada will take on host France in their second match of Paris 2024 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne on Saturday. Regrettably, FIFA docked Canada with 6 points, imposed hefty financial sanctions, and suspended manager Bev Priestman. They were found guilty of spying on New Zealand’s training session with a drone before their opener.
Despite coming from behind, Canada started their Paris 2024 campaign on a 2-1 winning note against New Zealand. However, they now stand at minus 3 points, making them vulnerable to a premature exit. They cannot even afford a draw if they are to advance to the next round. They must win against France and Colombia to finish the group stage with three points, and they hope other permutations and combinations work in their favor.
However, France, the host and second-best team in the world, is a formidable opponent. After an early 3-0 lead against Colombia, the Blues had a moment of fear when the South American side rallied to make it 3-2. For France to beat the Canucks, the team must keep their feet on the ground. Despite their strong attack, France hasn’t kept a clean sheet in five matches, which is a big concern for them going into their Paris 2024 campaign. 
Match Details:
Date: July 28, 2024
Time: 19:00 UTC, 12:30 AM IST (July)
Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne
Team News
Canada Overview
Recent Forms: L-W-D-W-W-W
Injuries/Suspensions: All Fit
Canada’s Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):
Sheridan;
Rose, Gilles, Buchanan;
Lawrence, Fleming, Quinn, Carle;
Leon, Lacasse, Viens
France Overview
Recent Forms: W-L-W-W-L-W
Injuries/Suspensions: All Fit
France Predicted Lineup (4-1-2-3):
Peyraud-Magnin;
Lakrar, Renard, Mbock, Karchaoui;
Geyoro;
Toletti, Dali;
Diani, Cascarino, Katoto
Canada vs France Head-to-Head
Both teams have come face-to-face 12 times. France enjoys the domination with seven wins, while Canada has won only two times. The last time they met was in April 2023, which France won 2-1.
Canada vs France: Top Player Predictions
Evelyne Veins (Canada):
Having saved Canada in their first Paris 2024 match, Evelyne Veins will remain a key player. Veins is a serial winner, with a gold medal in her Olympics debut in Tokyo 2020 and the Forward of the Season title in Serie A Feminile. As a player with 13 goals to her name, she is indispensable to both Serie A club Roma and the Canucks.
Even though Veins did not start the first game, she remains a major threat. Given the susceptibility of the French defense to counterattacks, we anticipate her to start this game. Her clinical finish and hold-up play would be the keys to Canada’s victory over France.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France):
Among the most crucial names on France’s team sheet is 26-year-old Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Despite suffering an injury last year, she made an impressive comeback against Colombia in the opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Katoto scored two goals, making the difference between the two teams.
Her ability to create and finish chances makes her the pivot of Les Bleu. A three-time League top scorer in 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2021-22, she poses a real threat to the Canadians. She has never lost in the 22 times she has scored wearing the French jersey.
Canada vs. France Betting Tips and Odds
- France to win this game: (-180) odds from PointsBet
- France Women to win 1-0: (+550) odds from PointsBet
- Canada to score first goal: (+210) odds from PointsBet
Canada vs. France winner Prediction:
After a six-point deduction, Canada must win this game to keep their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign alive. The team has a squad ready to go deep into Paris 2024, but their off-the-field antics could haunt them. The French, however, are favorites for this matchup, considering their strong lineup and home advantage.
Final Prediction: France 2-1 Canada.
