After a very strong qualifier, the North American side will be making their second World Cup appearance, the Canadian side last took part in the international joust back in Mexico 1986. It’s been long over due, and the ‘Maple Leafs’ punched their ticket to Qatar by winning the CONCACAF qualifiers over Mexico and USA, so this young, talented squad will be fired up to get the party started.
Hard Group With Key Matches
The World Cup draw was not very kind to the Canadian team, and they will be making their long awaited debut on Wednesday, November 23rd. against the best team in the group, Belgium. After that, ‘The Maple Leafs’ will have another tough test against Croatia in match-day 2, in what could be a huge game for the North Americans if they want to keep the dream alive. On match-day 3, Canada will face a more balanced opponent; Morocco. Group F is one of the toughest groups in the tournament, but there is no doubt this brave Canadian side will be up for the challenge.
Manager With Historic Results
Young English manager, John Herdman has been at the helm since 2018, and is the first head coach to lead the Canadian Squad to a World Cup in 36 years. Herdman has been around the Canadian Soccer Association since 2011, when he first managed the Women’s team until 2018. During his tenure, he won the Olympic Bronze Medal in 2012, and 2016. After that, he made the switch to the Men’s Senior squad, and has made massive improvement in just four years, making the Canadian National Team a very competitive side. Herman won the 2022 CONCACAF Qualifiers and is looking to translate his recent success to the biggest international stage.
Star Players May Be The Key
One of the biggest stars, and leaders of this team is Alphonso Davies, who is considered one of the best LB in the world, the Bayern Munich player has been key in the recent ascent of the Canadian Squad, and at the World Cup he needs to keep playing a very important role if he wants to help his team find success.
There is plenty of talent in this new generation of Canadian footballers, whom many of them have plenty of European club experience, some of the members of this squad include; Stephen Eustaquio (CM, Porto), Jonathan David (Striker, Lille), and Tajon Buchanan (Winger, Club Brugge).
Perfect Play Needed
It’s not going to be easy for the North American side to make it out of their group alive, but there is going to be several opportunities to make it happen. Canada needs to be disciplined and deliver near perfect performances, since the lack of World Cup experience could push them to make an early mistake that could cost too much. There is no doubt this very young squad will keep improving, and making the best out of this tournament could make a huge difference for the next World Cup, which the North American’s will be Co-hosting.
