Canada has been caught in a potentially dream-ending scenario. A reputation for overtaking some of the best soccer teams in the last few years is in jeopardy for the 2020 Olympic gold medal winners. Receiving blow after blow, they have arrived at a situation where they may have lost control over what can happen in the 2024 Paris Olympics. FIFA after the developments in the dronegate handed over an additional six-point deduction for the Canucks apart from sacking their coach. However, with a repeat of the last edition taking a wild hit, is the team entirely out of the competition? Let’s check.

The story of Canadian women’s staff spying on New Zealand unfolded even before their opening game against them. Yet, despite the distractions, the team’s effort to win their opener might have just given them some hope to stay alive in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The top two teams from each group get into the knockouts and currently, Canada is placed last in Group A with -3 points. However, it only differs by three points from the two teams above them Colombia and New Zealand, they have minute chances of finishing 2nd with other results going their way.

Firstly, the team should win both games to get to three points. Subsequently, they will match France if it loses its next games. but cannot overtake them on points. But more importantly, Canada cannot afford New Zealand to gain four points, which can happen if New Zealand has a win and a draw of two wins in the coming days. Nevertheless, Colombia may not be a threat provided Canada reaches 3 points on the table as they have a superior goal difference which is not expected to be beaten so easily. Also the same will apply to New Zealand in case they end up with a win in either of their games.

Meanwhile, Canada should place hopes on France as they can remove their other two competitors from the equation. However, a draw against France for the winning team between Colombia and New Zealand will send Canada back home. With so many permutations and combinations, they will need fortunes to go their way. But can they reverse the effects of the alleged spying incident?

Is there a ray of hope for Canada Soccer to lessen the impact of dronegate?

It is not just a threat to their current chances, but the dronegate has also dented Canada’s previous achievements. Reports suggest that both their men’s and women’s team staff could have been involved in spying on their opponents’ training like they did to New Zealand a few days ago. Regardless, it is reported that Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee may appeal FIFA’s verdict to remove six points from their kitty.

FIFA announced the decision on Saturday, but it is reported that both the Canadian bodies found 6 points too harsh. In addition, the boards claim that the players should not be punished since they are uninvolved. Nonetheless, despite hope about FIFA’s consideration, Canada still expects the best possible scenarios to come through. But, can they win both their upcoming clashes? Let us know in the comments.