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Christine Sinclair gives Canada high hopes in World Cup


Canada doesn't have any big goals for this World Cup or anything. After a surprise bronze medal at the London Olympics, the Canadians want to build on that success this summer and firmly establish themselves as one of the world's powerhouses. They're also hoping the enthusiasm and interest in the tournament — the July 5 final sold out months ago, and organizers have set a goal of 1.5 million tickets — will give the sport the kind of long-term boost the Americans got from the 1999 World Cup.

KEY PLAYERS

Christine Sinclair, forward. A 12-time player of the year, Sinclair is Canadian women's soccer — maybe Canadian soccer, period. She led Canada to a surprise bronze medal at the London Olympics with a record six goals, including three in a semifinal loss to the United States. Sinclair is second only to Abby Wambach in goals scored among active players.

Diana Matheson, midfielder. Scored the stoppage-time goal that stunned France and secured the bronze medal in London. But a torn ACL last October left her in doubt for the World Cup, and how much she'll play — or what impact she'll have — remains to be seen.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Coach: John Herdman

How they qualified: Host nation

Number of appearances: 6

Best result: Fourth in 2003, the only time Canada has made it out of the group stage.

FIFA World Ranking: No. 8

Fast Fact: Canada won the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics by upsetting France, a 2011 World Cup semifinalist.

SCHEDULE

June 6: 6 p.m., China, Edmonton

June 11: 9 p.m., New Zealand, Edmonton

June 15: 7:30 p.m., Netherlands, Montreal