Canada secured a 1-1 draw against Denmark during an international friendly at Stade Saputo on Friday. Arsenal forward Olivia Smith provided a crucial equalizer in the 84th minute to avoid defeat.
A high-stakes rehearsal for the November 28 Panama clash
This friendly serves as a vital measuring stick for the Canadian women's national team as they prepare for the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship. the tournament is a critical stepping stone for both the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Canada is scheduled to face Panama on November 28, making this match against a seasoned Danish side a key test of their competitive readiness.
While Denmark has already secured its place in the summer World Cup by finishing atop its UEFA qualifying group, Canada remains in a building phase. The match provided an opportunity for coach Casey Stoney to evaluate her squad's ability to handle top-tier international competition on home soil, marking Canada's first home match since June 2025.
Olivia Smith’s 84th-minute strike proves her Arsenal worth
Olivia Smith demonstrated why she was a record-breaking signing for Arsenal when she stepped off the bench to change the momentum at Stade Saputo. The 22-year-old forward, originally from Whitby, Ontario, unleashed a left-footed strike across the goal to beat Danish goalkeeper Alberte Vingum. As the report notes, Smith's goal marked her sixth senior international goal and delighted the crowd of 10,162 in attendance.
Coach Casey Stoney highlighted the importance of Smith's individual ability, noting that the game plan revolved around creating space to get the ball to the Arsenal star. Stoney described Smith as a "difference maker" who thrives in one-on-one situations. The goal underscored the value of the one-million-pound transfer that brought the forward from Liverpool to the English Premier League last year.
The disparity between 69% possession and the final score
Statistical dominance did not translate into a lead for Canada throughout the match. despite controlling 69 per cent of the possession and outshooting Denmark 21-9, the Canadians struggled to find the back of the net.. Denmark took the lead in the 24th minute when Bayern Munich star and national captain Pernille Harder slotted home her 86th international goal following a cross from Amalie Vangsgaard.
According to the match coverage, Canada's offensive pressure was significant, but they lacked the finishing touch required to break down a disciplined Danish defense. While Canada nearly won the game in injury time through a Julia Grosso strike that hit the crossbar, the match ultimately ended in a draw, despite Canada winning an unofficial penalty shootout 4-2 to conclude the evening.
Can Canada solve the clinicality issue before the Panama match?
Canada's coaching staff faces a significant hurdle regarding the team's efficiency in front of the goal. Although the team created a high volume of quality chances, Coach Stoney expressed frustration over the lack of clinical finishing. This remains an open question for the squad: can they convert high-percentage opportunities into goals when facing elite defensive structures?
Furthermore, the team is still searching for its first victory against a top-15 ranked opponent since Stoney took over in January 2025. While the performance against Denmark showed flashes of brilliance, the inability to secure a win against a high-ranking side suggests that tactical dominance alone may not be enough to succeed in the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship.
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