Soccer-Olympic champions Canada have first World Cup medal in sights

FILE PHOTO: Feb 22, 2023; Frisco, Texas, USA; Canada forward Adriana Leon (19) dribbles the ball against Japan defender Risa Shimizu (2) during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

(Reuters) - Canada's women's soccer team finally found golden glory after years of tantalising near misses when they beat Sweden in a nerve-jangling shootout to triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

However, much has changed since they celebrated on the Yokohama pitch and Bev Priestman's side head to the Women's World Cup with a number 7 ranking, still mired in an equity pay battle with the federation and missing key players to injury.