IS THE GOLD MEDAL WINNING TEAM THE BEST TEAM?

 IS THE GOLD MEDAL WINNING TEAM THE BEST TEAM?

Today, I watched the Canadian women’s soccer team win the Gold Medal at the 2020 Olympics. It was an exciting game that the Canadians won in a shootout. Both teams scored one goal each in the regulation 90 minutes and then were both scoreless in the 30-minute overtime. Canada won the shootout 3-2 and consequently won Gold and can now claim to be the best women’s soccer team in the world, as of today! But are they?

I am not diminishing today’s win and the wonderful feelings of joy and success that are shared by all Canadian sport’s fans. I raise the question after I watched the total devastation displayed by the “losing” Swedish girls. They were all tearful and appeared shattered in the loss. But in reality, they were not losers they were second place finishers and Silver Medal winners. Second best at anything should not be taken lightly and yet if you watched the Swedish girls’ despair you might think that they were total failures. 

Winning any team sport is a major accomplishment that involves hundreds if not thousands of factors and issues. The Swedes dominated the game for much of the 120 minutes but still did not win. One sharper pass or one harder shot or one hesitation at a critical moment by a key defender could have provided a different result. When you compete at an elite or championship level, the gods of the sport have to be on your side. Would the result of the game have been the same if Canada had not earned a penalty kick after a video review of a controversial foul? The referee first signalled no penalty but changed her mind after a review. 

Whether it is the Grey Cup, the Stanley Cup, the World Series or an Olympic Gold Medal Game, a lot of elements have to fall into place for one team to eventually emerge as a champion. Do the players possess the skills, abilities, commitment and attitudes necessary to perform at the highest level over the completion? Is the coaching and support for the team of championship calibre as well? Can the team avoid injuries and remain healthy especially as the championship draws near? In tight competition over the season or games do breaks, referee’s calls, cold streaks, weather conditions, mental fortitude, and improved or diminished performance play a part in determining the final “best” team? Of course, the answer is a definite “yes” to all of the above, Any team that eventually wins the recognition of the best or a cup or a medal has had to have everything ultimately go their way over the season. Today, Canada’s girls' soccer team was rewarded after years of effort. Well, done and let's do it again next Olympics!

Today, we can lay claim to being the World’s Best Women’s Soccer Team. Starting tomorrow, we will have to play every game carrying that label and expectation in order to retain that title.