All 4 CONCACAF squads have performed their opening World Cup match. Regardless of not a single win from any of them (0W, 2D, 2L), you may’t assist however be left with style after watching Canada as we speak. Add to this the actual fact none of them performed simple rivals. USA ought to’ve defeated Wales, however a late mistake made it 1-1. Mexico resulted in a scoreless draw with Poland. Costa Rica are the exception from the bunch after their historic 7-0 loss to Spain earlier as we speak, and at last, Canada dropping simply 1-0 to the arms of Belgium, however deserving a lot extra.
Once you have a look at what occurred as we speak within the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Canada dominated your entire first half and may’ve been forward by the tenth minute, if not for Courtois’ heroics on the PK, together with some assist by Alphonso Davies, who may’ve positioned his shot significantly better to be trustworthy. However the fact is Canada weren’t messing round and competed man for man towards the Belgians.
Canada diversified their assaults, both on the flanks or via lengthy balls down the middle of the pitch, however had been equally efficient and actually stored the Belgian defensive position on their heels your entire match, particularly the primary half. They had been merely unable to place it away to take the lead. And talking of lengthy balls, they bought a dose of their very own medication when CB Toby Alderweireld despatched certainly one of his personal to speedy striker Michy Batshuayi, who after some wonderful footwork, bought in excellent place to fireplace a shot out of Borjan’s attain with out having to truly contact the ball previous to his shot.
The second half wasn’t as explosive by the Canadians, regardless of the actual fact they continued to method Courtois’ purpose, however with out the identical readability. Absolutely fatigue began to kick in from the trouble exerted within the first 45, as maintaining with a squad like Belgium is not any easy activity. If one factor could be mentioned it’s how spectacular Canada’s gamers sacrificed to maintain Belgium inside attain. Toronto FC’s Richie Larya had a sliding sort out to save lots of an open, contained in the field shot by Batshuayi. Kamal Miller had an outstanding sliding sort out that saved a harmful Belgian counter. Canada’s protection regarded sharp on each play, apart from the one which resulted in the one purpose of the match. However that’s all it takes, isn’t it?
Even within the disappointing loss, you may’t assist however really feel impressed for those who’re Canada. Even head coach John Herdman shares the sentiment:
Canada’s John Herdman after his aspect’s hard-fought 1-0 loss to Belgium: “I informed them they belong right here. And we will go and F Croatia. That is so simple as it will get.” The fiery 47-year-old maanger is pure CONCACAF Thunder, with a terrific haircut pic.twitter.com/24k8k78Zp8— Males in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 23, 2022
You’ll be able to clearly discover the joy in his voice relating to his crew’s efficiency as he is aware of they had been up for the take a look at. Much more so contemplating you simply may’ve received a match towards a prime tier aspect like Belgium. In the event that they had been this powerful on Belgium, think about what they’ll do towards a lesser Croatia and Morocco. No knock on these guys, however Canada undoubtedly drew the hardest rival first.
That is how Group F marches alongside after this consequence, in addition to Croatia and Morocco’s 0-0 tie earlier as we speak, with Belgium in management:
In the event that they fail to make it previous the group phases, relaxation assured Canada might be no simple out. Nice matchups forward for this group with all groups wanting very evenly matched as we speak. However one factor is for positive; after their 36-year absence from the World Cup, Canada are for actual on this one.