In their two previous FIFA Women’s World Cups, Canada amassed a less-than-impressive two points and minus-17 goal difference, but the Canucks have taken USA 2003 by storm, climbing to the heady heights of the last four.

Most would agree that this previously unthinkable pinnacle was reached thanks to Canada’s hard-running, aggressive play and never-say-die attitude.

After a 4-1 trouncing by Germany in their opening match, the Canadians claimed their first ever finals victory 3-0 over Argentina. It said something about their aspirations that the team barely even noticed the achievement and instead focused on beating their rivals for the second spot in Group C, Japan.

And defeat them they did, coming from behind for a convincing 3-1 victory. The three points sent them into the second round and a seemingly overwhelming match with Asian powerhouse China, a team that they had lost to in 10 out of 11 contests previously. However, the Canadians showed all of their courage and commitment in withstanding a Chinese onslaught of 65% possession and 16 shots to win 1-0 thanks to captain Charmaine Hooper’s early goal.

After taking a lead over Sweden in the second half of the semi-final, a place in the world’s greatest match seemed within reach, but the “Great Wall of Canada” as Hooper called it, finally broke down, letting in two late goals.

Getting stuck in

Certainly part of the reason for Canada’s success is their willingness and ability to get stuck in all over the pitch. Before the tournament, American coach April Heinrichs commented that her northern neighbours played as if “they had absolutely no regard for their bodies,” and her observation has certainly been proven true in the finals. Canada have harried their opponents to no end, throwing their weight into every challenge.

Of course, the negative of that style of play is that the Canucks lead the tournament with 90 fouls committed and nine yellow cards in just five matches.

“(Coach) Even (Pellerud) definitely stresses an aggressive style of play,” said striker Christine Latham, who has impressed not only with her constant running, but also with her three goals. “I think we are known for that. We play to our strengths, and power and work-rate are definitely two of our strengths. That helps us be successful against the teams that aren't as strong or that take too long with the ball. I think if we played differently we wouldn't be as successful.”

One certainly cannot argue with the success that Canada have had in recent years. One concern for Pellerud might be the one-dimensional nature of their attack, which relies almost exclusively on this aggressiveness combined with long-balls launched forward to Latham and Christine Sinclair. It is a strategy that works well against weaker teams, but against Germany, China and Sweden, the team averaged only six shots a match. Surely that amount will have to be higher if Canada hope to cement their reputation amongst the world’s elite.

And, with a host of skilled and promising young players coming through the ranks, Pellerud may be able to expand the manner in which his team breaks down opponents. However, do not expect Canada to ever back down from their insistent style of play.

“One thing that Canada is able to do well is work really hard,” said the 22-year-old Latham. “Everyone on our team is hard-working, dedicated and plays with a lot of heart. I think you can score against any team in the world, no matter how good they are when you play that way … I wouldn't say that we think we can score against any team, it's more like we are going to work until we do score against this team.”

Look for Canada to continue to pressure their next opponents, the United States, in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 3rd-Place Match on 11 October at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

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