The US Women’s national team will face long standing rivals Canada in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final tonight at the Lower.com Field Stadium.
Tonight’s game will be the SheBelieves Cup’s first ever ‘true final’ despite this year marking the ninth edition of the annual tournament.
This a result of the format of the tournament being adjusted due to the Concacaf W Gold Cup taking place in February and March.
Instead of its usual six games over three match days, this year the tournament features only four games across two match days.
The US and Canada were both triumphant over their opponents last Saturday, with the latter beating Brazil 4-2 on penalties.
Meanwhile the USWNT came from behind with a penalty kick from Lindsey Horan, after conceding just 30 seconds into their 2-1 win over Japan.
Both teams will have their sights set on lifting some silverware in Columbus tonight, but it’s the US who have been more successful in the past, previously winning a whopping six titles.
The two teams have played each other 65 times leading up to this evening’s game, with Canada winning just four of those meetings.
The USWNT have been victorious over the Canadians 54 times, with the other seven matches having ended in a draw.
Speaking on the emergence of 19-year-old US forward Jaedyn Shaw, interim head coach Twila Kilgore said: ‘’I think Jaedyn has always been a really good goal scorer.
‘’I think finding your niche in this team and being able to score consistently is quite a feat, especially as you’re being integrated.’’
Shaw has scored five goals in her last five starts for the USWNT, a first in senior national team history, and scored their first goal against Japan last week.
For Canada, Portland Thorns and former Chelsea midfielder, Jessie Fleming could be the difference.
Named as captain for the recent Gold Cup, the skipper is often the creative engine of the Canadian midfielder.
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan also had a huge performance between the sticks for Canada on Saturday making five saves against the Canarinhas, as well as saving a penalty kick from Marta in the shootout.
After the match, Canada head coach Bev Priestman said: ”It wasn’t the perfect game but I’m really happy with the mindset of the group to pull through and do whatever it takes win.”
All eyes will now be set to see who can go the final mile tonight in Columbus, Ohio.
The match kicks off at 7pm ET in the US and 12am BST in the UK.
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