Canada are almost certainly going through to the World Cup knockout stages, but they’ll want to make sure they do so in the first place. To ensure that, they’ll need a win over the Netherlands in their final group stage match on Monday.
Netherlands vs. Canada, World Cup 2015: Time, TV schedule and news
Anything less than a win would be disappointing for the hosts.
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s possible that Canada could top the group with a draw, but they’d need some help. China are currently on three points, and would jump over them if they managed to defeat New Zealand. If Canada win the group, they’ll have a comfortable route to the semifinal, but a draw or loss could set them up with very tough Round of 16 and quarterfinal opponents.
The Netherlands haven’t been good so far, only beating New Zealand thanks to a 25-yard wondergoal, then continuing to play poorly against China. They’ve failed to meet expectations thus far, but a draw should send them through to their first ever knockout stage.
Key player: Sophie Schmidt
This comes with the necessary caveat that Christine Sinclair is always Canada’s key player. She’s also been their only consistently good player, so it’s time for someone else to step up. With Diana Matheson out and Jessie Fleming still not a starter, that someone needs to be Sophie Schmidt. She’s not exactly a playmaking midfielder, but Canada won’t create much if she can’t make a quality attacking pass or 10.
Key matchup: Canada’s CBs vs. Vivianne Miedema
It's been a tough tournament for Miedema, who was expected to be a breakout star and hasn't produced yet for the Netherlands. Canada's central defense duo is the best she's faced yet, and she'll need to have her best game yet by some distance to be effective.
Match date/time: Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), CTV, RDS, TSN3 (Canada), BBC Two, Eurosport (U.K.), NPO 3, Eurosport (Netherlands)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S. - English), NBC deportes en vivo extra (U.S. - Spanish), TSN (Canada), BBC player, Eurosport player (U.K.)
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