Canada are again on the World Cup finals, for the primary time in 36 years. Last time they didn’t win, didn’t rating and didn’t make a lot impression on what was their solely look on the event thus far, however the class of 2022 have each motive to imagine they’ll be setting new firsts and nationwide information in Qatar.
More than that, there’s an excellent feeling that over the previous decade or so, Canadian soccer has been increase so far: a second of nice success which may truly flip right into a founding pillar of longevity and continued enchancment within the recreation.
A bunch of European-based gamers combine with loads of MLS regulars within the squad, with the standout performer being Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. Along with Club Brugge striker Cyle Larin and Lillle’s Jonathan David, there’s loads of offensive menace within the aspect to go together with the off-the-ball organisation instilled by head coach John Herdman. In taking his aspect to this event he turns into the first-ever coach to information each males’s and ladies’s groups of a nationwide staff to a World Cup, having been accountable for Canada Women in 2015.
Canada haven’t fluked their manner right here. They topped the Concacaf qualifying group forward of Mexico and USA, whereas additionally reaching the Gold Cup semi-finals final yr. This is actual enchancment and an opportunity for some to change into new nationwide icons.
Here is every little thing it’s essential know:
Group fixtures (all instances GMT)
Wednesday 23 November: Belgium vs Canada – 19:00
Sunday 27 November: Croatia vs Canada – 16:00
Thursday 1 December: Canada vs Morocco – 15:00
Predicted squad
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (LAFC), Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United)
Defenders: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Derek Cornelius (Panetolikos), Doneil Henry (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Stephen Eustaquio (Porto), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Raheem Edwards (LA Galaxy)
Forwards: Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Liam Millar (Basel), Junior Hoilett (Reading), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Theo Corbeanu (Blackpool), Ike Ugbo (Troyes)
Ones to look at
Star – Jonathan David: The build-up play and counter-attacking menace is clearly going to undergo Davies on the left, but when Canada need to hit new heights when it comes to goalscoring and profitable factors on the finals, it’s David who wants to fireside. He has terrific motion and contact within the closing third and has been in nice scoring type in Ligue 1 this time period, netting greater than a 3rd of his staff’s targets up to now.
Breakout expertise – Alistair Johnston: Capable of enjoying both as an attacking full-back or proper aspect of a defensive trio, the 24-year-old defender has an excellent mixture of adventurism and aggression in his recreation, providing a final-third menace when getting ahead. Johnson performs for Montreal in MLS and has change into a mainstay within the nationwide staff over the previous two years
200/1
Prediction
Canada’s journey to Qatar exhibits they are going to be no pushovers on this group and it isn’t past the realms of chance that they escape into the knockout rounds. But they’ve been dealt a difficult hand in opposition to Belgium, Croatia and Morocco, and may fall simply brief. Knocked out on the group stage.
Source: www.impartial.co.uk