FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bunk

Well we scored our first World Cup goal. Baby steps.

that was more than a baby step

[browna]

Originally Posted by M*A*S*H 4077

So proud! We got our goal, had our moment and never gave up

We got a real education today from Croatia. They were dominant and their midfield torched us

Hopefully Miller doesn’t beat himself up too much tonight

Miller played great.
Sure Croatia the better team, but with not sticking in or keeping in a 39 year old who clearly was struggling early to run, nevermind defend, who knows...we had enough chances to get a second. But the third was a killer and that was all on Hutchinson from a bad giveaway which Canada never got back, and then through his legs on final shot. He was around the buildup, negatively, to all the Croatian goals.

[Ozy_Flame]

Alot of this is on Herdman. What was he thinking with atiba on like that and in that formation.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Alot of this is on Herdman. What was he thinking with atiba on like that and in that formation.

Yeah. I thought the strategy against Belgium was excellent, but the same cannot be said today

[Elkyiv]

It's not on Hutchinson. Canada doesn't have anyone who can match up with Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic. These are world class players who spent their entire careers on powerhouse clubs.

[CroFlames]

gg guys.

[TheIronMaiden]

I guess time to change expectations. Can Canada win a single game?

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Alot of this is on Herdman. What was he thinking with atiba on like that and in that formation.

I would just say it's on Croatia being a far better and more experienced team than Canada. It's not like the end result was close. At least Herdman got the team fired up to come out and grab an early lead. In the end though, the result reflected the mismatch between the teams.

[Trojan97]

Proud of the effort as always but not many guys played well today. Games like today will pay off in the long run.

[oldschoolcalgary]

I mean Croatia were WC runners up last world cup.

they had quality throughout the lineup and just their ability to create subtle passes and movement in the last 20 yards was impressive. Just excellent timing, precision passing and confident striking.

Canada wasn't expected to be in the WC 2022. People laughed at Herman when he said that in his opening press conference.

The loss to Croatia isn't unexpected. The thought of getting to play Croatia and Belgium in World Cup games a year ago would have been laughable.

They are ahead of schedule despite the loss

[Dynamic]

Well at least we got to see how far they are away from even being competitive at the world up level. I'm fairly bandwagonish but it was pretty clear to see the difference from a world cup contender and a team that was happy to even qualify. Croatia us just a different level in the way they had crisp passing and how they exposed us on the back end was impressive. I was awesome to see a goal but once they turned it on the writing was on the wall.

[Samonadreau]

Just come out strong for a full 90 against Morroco and get some points. Cool to see that first goal, still proud of them.

[browna]

Next game, only players that will be there in 2026, for the experience.

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by Dynamic

Well at least we got to see how far they are away from even being competitive at the world up level. I'm fairly bandwagonish but it was pretty clear to see the difference from a world cup contender and a team that was happy to even qualify. Croatia us just a different level in the way they had crisp passing and how they exposed us on the back end was impressive. I was awesome to see a goal but once they turned it on the writing was on the wall.

Pretty much my thoughts exactly.

Good on Canada for qualifying but still a long ways to go to be competitive against the worlds best.

The defense in particular was disappointing. Croatia scored 4 and could have had a couple more.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by flylock shox

Miller seems to have a HR monitor on. Wonder what that's about.

All the players players wear some kind of tracking on them. in MLS the back is on their back between their shoulder blades.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Elkyiv

It's not on Hutchinson. Canada doesn't have anyone who can match up with Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic. These are world class players who spent their entire careers on powerhouse clubs.

Yeah, that’s true. But who looks at the incredible midfield they have and decides to play 2 midfielders in response to those three? Just bizarre.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

A lot of the key players for Canada are young. This is a step in the right direction and something to be celebrated. You just hope that some other strong young talent emerges in the next 4 years to supplement what will be there in 26... I'm not educated enough in this sport to know what the chances of that happening are.

[keenan87]

So, what does the roster look like for 2026?

Seems like there is some older players on the current roster. Is there expected to be major changeover?

[JohnnyB]

The best result from this game and WC for Canada is probably just having a real star player like Davies score a beautiful and inspirational goal. That goal, scored by a guy with his background and personality, could inspire many more young players to actually dream of playing for Canada's team and persevere in developing themselves to follow in his footsteps.

[Trojan97]

Originally Posted by keenan87

So, what does the roster look like for 2026?

Seems like there is some older players on the current roster. Is there expected to be major changeover?

Hoilett, Borjan, Vitoria, Wotherspoon would be the only guys on the current roster over 35 in 2026 (I'm not counting Hutchinson since he'll obviously be retired). Osorio will be 34.The rest will be in their 20's or early 30's.

The future is bright with how many of the guys are headed to quality leagues in Europe in the near future where many will see time in the Champions League over the next four years. Now, whether "bright" means a chance to make a cinderella run in 2026 and beyond or simply getting out of our group remains to be seen but it's going to be a really fun next World Cup cycle regardless. Hopefully we see some young dual national passports flip to Canada and continued investment in our youth programs.