Tank Attack (Melissa Tancredi interview)

Canadian forward Melissa Tancredi, 33, prepares for a third World Cup and says it will not hit her until the anthem and the opening game against China in Edmonton, which she expects to be a slap in the face emotionally. She is excited by a squad mixing old and young with a lot of upcoming players. Recovering the London 2012 bronze-medal chemistry means getting the belief back, she argues, and going out every game thinking they will win. Canada become predictable when everyone looks to Christine Sinclair, so if others play better it gives Sinclair more room. After six to eight months getting over knocks she feels strong. She does not expect to play every minute, praising the depth John Herdman has built, and urges fans to come out and be rowdy.