World Cup changing perception of Canadian soccer, but also setting higher expectations

Well, we have now our purpose no less than.  If nothing else then, the lazy narrative that has been lobbed about so freely on Canadian soccer over time, the one that’s so disrespectful to that 1986 crew, may be caught the place it belongs — within the bin … alongside any hopes of knock-out soccer in Qatar for John Herdman’s facet.  

Yup, Canada has a purpose within the World Cup. Progress.

Next, choose up a primary win on Thursday towards an exquisite Morocco crew and this event can really be deemed successful. Relatively talking, after all.

Moving ahead, the chatter round this crew wants to vary.  Expectations and perspective have switched. The “new Canada” — as Herdman calls it — is now anticipated to place in performances and win soccer matches.  A qualifying event that reignited a fan base, adopted by a World Cup the place outcomes have been irrelevant, however proving the ‘ability to hang’ was essential, has birthed one thing particular.  

At the conclusion of this event, it will likely be again to Concacaf subsequent. The summer time’s Gold Cup will include stress to carry out, particularly as Canada is the one crew from the area but to select up some extent after its first two World Cup matches.

After that, exterior of the Nations League inconvenience, a world tour main as much as 2026. And with out the necessity to qualify, Canada will grow to be reserving brokers over the following 4 years. Given its rising status, that ought to in all chance imply high quality opponents and a slew of European-based camps.  

I do know I get forward of myself. The emotion of that actuality verify on Sunday towards Croatia nonetheless stings for many, however what an amazing lesson. And what an amazing reminder of the work that must be performed earlier than Canada can take that subsequent step.  

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The world, nevertheless, is on discover. While showing on a UK radio station following Canada’s loss to Croatia on Sunday, my introduction became a monologue from the host, championing how nice he thought Canada had been and the way they’d grow to be the darlings of the Group part for a lot of neutrals. True or not, simply take into consideration that!

Let’s not be naïve, although; a lemon towards Morocco would sharpen the knives and would ship the crew dwelling with tails very a lot between their legs, as unfair as that is likely to be. But one other good efficiency and the positivity stays. Morocco is an effective template, in reality: a crew that has been right here earlier than, is at all times unfancied, has made regular progress in AFCON lately the place it has flattered to deceive, has squad depth scattered round high leagues and has a governing physique that’s not excellent however prepared to make courageous requires the betterment of the crew.

Now, it is very important ask the exhausting questions of Canada; in spite of everything, that’s what soccer nations do to their groups. But with one last match left in Qatar 2022, the overriding emotion must be optimistic. These are good occasions and thrilling occasions to be a fan of the game on this nation. 

Now, let’s exit and beat Morocco.

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