Depleted by injury, distracted by negotiation, Canada's women's team shows resilience in loss to France

This is a column by Shireen Ahmed, who writes opinion for CBC Sports.  For more information about  CBC's Opinion section , please see the  FAQ .

It is 100 days before the FIFA Women's World Cup that is to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand and on Tuesday, No. 6-ranked Canada faced No. 5 France in Le Mans in its final friendly before the tournament begins July 20.

Canada coach Bev Priestman knew it wouldn't be an easy match for her reigning Olympic champions, saying prior to the game: "We have to defend really disciplined but I see opportunities when we have the ball to punish them." 

France has an arsenal of some of the best players in the world, including Wendi Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer, who returned to the team after Hervé Renard replaced Corine Diacre as head coach. Renard (no relation to Wendi) most recently coached the Saudi Arabia men's team at the last year's Men's World Cup in Qatar. He has seen historic wins. And he knows how to build. 

Canada took the pitch in spectacular red uniforms — the maple leafs subtle yet strong against black shorts. The squad was thinned out because some of the most well-known faces are out with injury: Kadeisha Buchanan, Janine Beckie, Desiree Scott, Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose,  and Quinn. Shelina Zadorsky has been unwell for a few months and recently went public with her health challenges. 

Athletes may sometimes not be comfortable sharing their physical challenges or ailments. Big up to <a href="https://twitter.com/Shelina4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Shelina4</a> for sharing her struggles so others don't have to be in agony. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanWNT</a> <a