Whichever one of Canada or Switzerland makes the quarterfinals will probably not have an argument for being one of the eight best teams at the 2015 World Cup, and whoever makes the semifinal from their extremely favorable draw will have no claim to being one of the four best. But this is how the cards have fallen, and it’s up to them to make the most of it.
Canada vs. Switzerland, World Cup 2015: Start time, TV schedule and live stream
It’s been a tough tournament for both of these teams, but one of them has to make the quarterfinals.
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
That’s one piece of good news for Canada. Their other piece of good news is that star attacking midfielder Diana Matheson is expected to make a substitute appearance in this game, and could be ready to start the quarterfinal or semifinal. Les Rouges have looked totally lost without her creativity, so she can’t get fully fit soon enough.
Switzerland were extremely disappointing in their loss to Cameroon in their last group stage game, but qualified as one of the best third-place teams, and have dropped into a decent situation. They have the talent to make a run to the semifinals, but they need to put it together fast.
Key player: Ramona Bachmann
Bachmann might be the most talented player on the pitch for either team, but she hasn't been able to translate her ability into anything substantive so far. Beating three defenders with a dribbling move doesn't do Switzerland any good if there isn't a quality pass or shot afterwards.
Key matchup: Christine Sinclair vs. a likely quadruple team
Adriana Leon, Melissa Tancredi and Jonelle Filigno haven’t been effective for Canada so far. It’s been a one-woman show up top, with Sinclair doing the work of two or three players. She’ll probably need to be immaculate for Canada to win.
Match date/time: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), CTV, TSN4, RDS (Canada), Eurosport, BBC Two (U.K.), RTS 2, SRF 2 (Switzerland)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S. - English), NBC deportes en vivo extra (U.S. - Spanish), Eurosport player, BBC player (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
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