Canada + Tokyo - Fans = Olympic opener upset?

No items found.

July 20, 2021

‍

Japan made it all the way to the final of the 2012 Olympics - with a golden generation of players that also reached two World Cup Finals.

But they failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and the host nation are now more determined than ever to shine in front of their home fans.

The problem is…..there won’t actually be any home fans to shine in front of (image) - and this could hand Bev Briestman’s side a significant advantage.

Canada head into the Olympics unbeaten in their last five matches, and ranked No. 8 in the current FIFA world rankings - two spots ahead of Japan (image).

The bookies have this as a low scoring home win - but an empty stadium and Canada's recent run of results might suggest otherwise - their last game a six goal thriller against the Netherlands.

Throw in goal machine Christine Sinclair (image) looking to make it onto her fourth consecutive Olympic podium and a high scoring away win could just as easily be on the cards.

Here are the picks: