Make no mistake. Canada is definitely targeting a Olympic women’s soccer gold medal in Tokyo this summer, according to veteran midfielder Desiree Scott.
Canada’s women have won bronze at both the last two Olympics, at London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016. But Scott says she and the rest of the team want better in Tokyo.
Loading ...“That’s been our theme leading up to these Olympics, is change the colour of the medal,” said 33-year-old Scott during a media event Wednesday. “You know we’ve gotten on the podium back to back. And we want to do that again this summer. But obviously we on the top of that podium.”
Canada’s exciting blend of youth and experience
Canada’s Olympic women’s soccer squad was announced last week. And the roster’s blend of experience and youth excites Scott most and has her believing it can compete for gold.
“We have a wealth of experience within the group,” she said. “We have a Christine Sinclair, this will be her fourth Olympics. This is my third – so some of those veteran players that have been to a few games.
“And we’ve got a few of our young vets who’ve had Olympics before hand. And then some who are completely new. We’ve got a blend in the group, but I think, a fantastic group – people who are going to bring that fire.”
Squad’s togetherness its X-factor
While Scott admits preparations and commitment will be key, she believes the squad’s harmony could prove its secret weapon when the Olympic soccer tournament kicks off July 21.
“I think our X-factor is our connection and our ability to really want to play for one another,” said Scott. “(To) go tooth and nail, to go to battle, to go to war for one another. I think our love for each other off-field really showcases our hard work and dedication on the pitch.”
And Scott admits coming together as a team allows for personal and group reflection, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it’s had over the last year and a half.
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“You feel so grateful for the opportunity. We didn’t know if this Games would even happen,” she said. “I think just that feeling of gratefulness and appreciation for the sport, for the opportunity that we get to go out and represent our country on the international (stage). We’re relishing those moments.
“We’re just so happy to be together again. And that’s felt throughout the entire squad. It renews that passion and fire to really want to put in the work and make our nation and country proud.”
