Olympics 2020: why Team GB’s “powers of recovery” were critical in draw with Canada – tactical analysis

The women’s football tournament at the 2020 Olympic Games has grabbed our attention over the last week and has included shock scorelines, such as the USA’s 3-0 loss to Sweden, and incredible feats, including the Netherlands’ 21 goals in their three group games. However, there was still plenty to sort out in the final round of group stage matches, particularly in Group E. Team GB had already sealed their place in the quarter-finals after victories against Chile and Japan, whilst Canada needed a win to guarantee top spot in the group at their opponents’ expense.

This tactical analysis will pick out the tactics that Canada employed throughout the game, as well as how they adapted to different situations. The analysis will also ask why Team GB struggled to break them down, including a look at the errors that prevented them building momentum for much of the first half.

Lineups

Canada head coach Bev Priestman, formerly Phil Neville’s England assistant coach, made seven changes from the team that defeated Chile in the second round. Stephanie Labbe came back into goal, with NY/NJ Gotham’s Kailen Sheridan featuring against Chile in her place, whilst Shelina Zadorsky, Jessie Fleming, Julia Grosso and Nichelle Prince also moved to the bench. Desiree Scott and all-time top scorer Christine Sinclair were rested for this game, with Canada switching to a 4-2-3-1 setup instead. Centre-back Vanessa Gilles, midfielder Sophie Schmidt and forwards Deanne Rose, Adriana Leon and Evelyne Viens all came into the starting XI.

Team GB, meanwhile, made five changes of their own, with head coach Hege Riise having planned a team before the tournament for each group game. Out went England captain Steph Houghton, midfielder Kiera Walsh, winger Lauren Hemp and striker Ellen White, all of Manchester City Women, whilst Arsenal Women captain Kim Little also made way. Into the team came Chelsea Women’s Millie Bright, Manchester City trio Caroline Weir, Jill Scott and Georgia Stanway and Houston Dash’s Rachel Daly, whilst Nikita Parris moved from a wing position to a central attacking role, as England moved from a 4-4-1-1 to a 4-4-2.