Tag: Canada National Soccer Team

Reflections from Canada’s loss to Croatia – 2022 World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Cup 2022

After taking a few days to reflect on Canada's disappointing loss against Croatia, I have been able to take away many positives from the performance. Kamal Miller won't get much in the way of praise after being hung out to dry at the end of the game, but he had another brilliant performance at the back. Alphonso Davies meanwhile bagged the nation's first goal at a Men's World Cup inside just two minutes of action, waking my neighbours up as I yelled of joy. But in dissecting the game further, it's clear to see that Croatia operated at a higher level, with their fanciful one-touch triangulations causing chaos for Canada every time they had the ball. For what feels like the first time ever, a few things will need to drastically change from a tactical standpoint heading into the next fixture from John Herdman's team. Here are my reflections on Canada's 4-1 defeat to Croatia.

Kamal Miller – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Cup 2022

Canadian footballers operating in the MLS have been notoriously underrated over the years, but now with the nation putting themselves on the world stage, clubs across the globe should start to pay more attention to our greatest players. One of those who has announced himself on the grandest stage is CF Montreal's Kamal Miller. Miller's been arguably Canada's best defender across the two opening group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup, serving as a nice compliment to his defensive partner Steven Vitoria at the back. With a range of qualities on and off the ball, Miller could easily be playing for a club in Europe's top five leagues already. So with that, we aim to strengthen Miller's case for a move across the pond.

Belgium 1-0 Canada – World Cup 2022 – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, World Cup 2022, World Football

Canada's much anticipated first World Cup match in 36 years lived up to the billing, with the Canadians dominating one of the best sides in the world in Belgium. The 1-0 loss will be a slight disappointment for Herdman and his men, but the Maple Leafs will take away the positives from the performance heading into their final two group games. Here is our analysis of Canada's 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

Breaking down Canada’s 2022 World Cup Squad

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Team Analysis, World Cup 2022, World Football

Canada has officially announced the squad for their first World Cup since 1986, and fans of Canadian soccer will be happy to hear that all of the big names have made the cut. Doneil Henry serves as the only major omission after his latest injury set-back, but even he appears to be set to join the squad in Qatar from the sidelines. So with that, we break down John Herdman's squad heading into a historic World Cup, and what to expect from the Canadians in Qatar.

Stephen Eustáquio – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Cup 2022

On March 27, 2022, Canada qualified for the World Cup, for the first time since 1986. The likes of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies evidently played their part, but perhaps no man was more key to Canada's success in the lead-up to World Cup Qualification than the beating heart in Herdman's midfield - Stephen Eustáquio. Now an FC Porto regular playing week in and week out in the Champions League, the 25-year-old will be integral to Canada's success at the upcoming tournament. Here is our analysis of Stephen Eustáquio, and why he's prepared to play a pivotal role for Canada at the 2022 World Cup.

How Canada used the 4-4-2 to success in World Cup Qualifying

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, Most Recent, World Cup 2022, World Football

After thirteen long, hard-fought games, Canada's Men's National Team has officially qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. With 8 wins, 4 draws and just 1 loss in the final stage of qualifying, John Herdman's men sealed their spot with a game to spare, after thumping Jamaica by a smashing score-line of 4-0. In the final stages of the competition, Canada smartly stuck by a 4-4-2 formation, maintaining consistency and chemistry en route to an impressive run to the finish line. Here is our analysis of how Canada used the 4-4-2 to success, and stood strong to stand on guard for thee.

Costa Rica 1-0 Canada – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Managers, Match Analysis, World Cup 2022, World Football

hursday night could have been the night that Canada clinched glory in World Cup Qualification, for the first time since 1986. But with a disastrous red card early on in the match and a few missing figureheads, it wasn't meant to be for the Maple Leafs, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a defensively robust Costa Rica. Here is our match analysis of the Canadian team against Costa Rica.