The biggest match in Canadian men’s football history ended in disappointment as Canada was convincingly beaten 4-1 by Croatia and knocked out of the World Cup.
Here are five takeaways from the match:
HERDMAN IS WRONG
Considering what he has done with both the men’s and women’s soccer programming, John Herdman can be arguably the greatest coach in Canadian sports history.
He helped women win their first Olympic medal and men qualify for their first World Cup in 36 years and the country will be forever grateful for it.
However, against Croatia, he made a mistake.
From the heated moment that led to the saying “We’ll go and F Croatia” to the tactics employed in the game that saw the Canadian midfield overwhelmed, to leaning on Atiba Hutchinson in the third game. His 100 in 75 minutes when it was clear the veteran was too slow for this game after 30, it’s hard not to see these decisions as pivotal to Canada’s elimination from the tournament.
RIGHTS OF DAVIES
The 22-year-old may still have some regrets about missing the penalty against Belgium and how things would have been different had he scored afterwards, but Alphonso Davies gave Canada a perfect start to Croatia. with an excellent header.
Canada’s first goal at the Men’s World Cup had to be scored by the Bayern Munich superstar, who led the way for the Canadian men to earn respect in the sport.
Davies has had some shining moments at this World Cup and will now look to help his team take Canada’s first point at the World Cup against Morocco.
BUCHANAN CONTINUES TO IMPORTANT
It was reported on Friday that Europe’s top five leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France) were interested in Tajon Buchanan, and across two World Cup matches he has a chance to be back. Canada’s best player.
Playing on the right flank, Buchanan bravely overcame defenders and delivered an inch-perfect pass that led to Davies’ goal.
DAVID NO-SHOW
While Buchanan’s interest from top clubs is just beginning, some of Europe’s best have been following striker Jonathan David’s progress for more than a year now following his success with the French club Lille.
This is a great opportunity to turn interest into commitment over an offer in the upcoming January transfer window, but teams may now have some doubts after he not only failed to score but also hardly presents himself as a serious goal threat.
CANADA HAS EARNED THESE LESSONS
While it was disappointing to see Canada eliminated from the competition in this way, many did not envision the men even qualifying for this tournament.
Bitter as are some lessons from these two losses and whatever else will happen to Morocco, here are the experiences that will be crucial to prepare for the 2026 event that Canada will co-host. .
Instead of entering that tournament as a fawn in front of the headlights, these moments will feature a young core that includes Davies, David and Buchanan much better prepared in four years’ time.
STILL WHAT TO PLAY
While Canada are now out of the tournament with this loss, the men have never earned a point in the group stage and could look to do so in their final game against Morocco on Thursday.
