VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canada is willing to put aside its reputation for civility, at least for this period. world cup.
After decades of World Cup disappointments, with a chance to make history for their country, Canadian players are talking less about manners and more about mentality.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing to play with arrogance,” midfielder Nico Sigur said. “I think we’re at our best when we play with that attitude.”
Canada begins Group B matches In a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, It was the country’s first World Cup point. Canada will be looking for its first win against Qatar on Thursday at BC Place.
“If we can be at our best and get everyone together, both off the bench and the starters, I think we can give them a lot of trouble,” Seger said.
To make overthrowing Qatar more challenging, Canada will need to do it quickly.
Alphonso Davies, Canada’s captain and the only World Cup scorer until Cyle Larin’s goal last week; May be unavailable After missing the opening game due to a lingering hamstring injury. Forward Promise David is recovering from a hip injury, and Marcelo Flores, Canada’s top performer in qualifying, was removed from the tournament with a knee injury in May.
Defender Moises Bombito has not played since breaking his foot in October. Prior to that, he started every game during Jesse Marsh’s two-year tenure as manager.
Injuries have created opportunities for other players, including Jayden Nelson, who replaced Flores in the squad after scoring in second-half stoppage time against Uzbekistan earlier this month.
Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio said “we know we have the weapons” needed to win.
That confidence has been a recurring theme for Canada. Instead of focusing on the pressure of hosting the event, the players embraced the moment.
“You can use the word ‘pressure,'” defenseman Richie Larrier said. “I think you can use the word ‘ready’.”
Mr. Laryea’s perspective reflects the attitude Mr. Marsh has sought to establish since taking office. Canada is known for their high-intensity pressing system and willingness to physically challenge their opponents.
“We’re always at the forefront,” Laria said. “I think that’s very consistent with hitting people in the face.”
But players understand there’s a fine line between playing with an edge and doing too much.
Defenders Luc de Fougerolles and Alistair Johnston each played against Qatar with yellow cards. If teams are tied on points, goal difference or goals scored (all four teams in Group B are currently in this position), FIFA’s Fair Play system acts as a tiebreaker, so disciplinary records could affect their advancement from the group.
Four years ago, Qatar became the first host nation to lose all three group stage games. But after watching it Qatar’s opening match against Switzerland ended in a 1-1 draw. Coach Sigur pointed to Qatar’s concentration throughout the 90 minutes and said Qatar should be taken seriously.
“This is the World Cup,” forward Ali Ahmed said. “You can’t play this game on paper.”
More than 50,000 fans are expected to be at BC Place for what could be one of the most important games in Canadian soccer history, and the players have repeatedly said they look forward to the energy Vancouver can provide.
“I think it’s a good decision to lose your voice,” said Adam Lovell, a Canadian fan and member of the Voyagers supporters’ club. “We want to set the tone for fan culture.”
Eustaquio is aiming for a positive start, fueled by the urgency of cheering on the home crowd.
“Hopefully,” Eustaquio said. “That would take away what little leverage Qatar has.”
He knows this is not the time to be polite.
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Drew Renner is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
