WORLD CUP U.S. looks to finish strong against tough Canadians

The Americans are hoping to regain some pride in the third-place match.
CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- Once a pushover, Canada now is a formidable foe for the U.S. women who hope to conclude their disappointing World Cup with a decisive third-place victory today.
The last time the Americans were in this position, in 1995, they beat China 2-0 for the bronze medal. A year later, they won the Olympics. Three years after that, the United States took its second World Cup crown.
"It's huge," goalkeeper Briana Scurry said of taking third place. "It would give some pride of actually getting something tangible out of this. We've worked so hard for the better part of two years and we've got to come away with a good feeling and know we gave our best."
U.S. holds big edge
Against Canada, the U.S. women almost always have been better. They are 25-3-3 against the Canadians and have a 112-34 edge in goals.
But recently, under Norwegian coach Even Pellerud -- who guided Norway to the '95 championship -- Canada has become a soccer force. In this tournament, it won a World Cup game for the first time, then stunned China to make the semifinals.
Sweden eliminated the Canadians 2-1 with a late rally, and will face Germany in Sunday's final. The Germans beat the United States 3-0 in the other semifinal.
"They are tough, physical and they go after it," Scurry said of the Canadians. "What they might lack in the ability to possess the ball they make up for in grit, effort and hard work. They have plenty of that and can make any game interesting.
"They're riding high and I am sure they like nothing better than to be playing us. They're running on adrenaline and to play us is the cherry on top for them."
Dream match for Canada
Indeed, several Canadian players emphasized that, short of facing the Americans in the final, this is a dream match for them.
"We're happy we're playing for the bronze medal," midfielder Diana Matheson said. "It's going to be a tough game. The U.S. are big rivals. We always play each other hard.
"I think this game is just for pride, especially for the U.S."
Precisely. That's why coach April Heinrichs will play her regulars, many of whom could be appearing in their final World Cup game. Heinrichs is certain she will get the same kind of effort today that she always has from Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Scurry, the core veterans of the squad.
"We want to walk on to the field and go after our opponent, and bring closure to this event holding our heads high," Heinrichs said. "This game allows us to walk off the field that way."