VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ahead of Canada’s group stage finals world cup, The team received encouragement from some of Canada’s sporting heroes.
Coach Jesse Marsh said two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash sent a message to his team Tuesday before Wednesday’s game between Canada and Switzerland.
“One of the things Steve talked about was the combination of tension and freedom, and tension is the discipline, focus, focus to stick to a plan and know who and what we are,” Marsh said. “And the freedom was to go out and play and believe in ourselves and chase the game in any way that showed confidence and what we believed in.”
Nash played 18 seasons in the NBA and was an eight-time All-Star. He won MVP in 2005 and 2006 with the Phoenix Suns. He returned to the Suns last year as a senior advisor.
Canada needs a win or draw against Switzerland on Wednesday to advance through Group B and stay in Vancouver to advance to the last 32. Canada has never advanced to the finals of a World Cup.
Marsh has asked various Canadians to address the team during World Cup trips.
“I think it hit home for our team,” Marsh said of Nash’s message. “We want them to understand exactly what their role is and understand what a match plan is, why it’s important and how it can help you win games.” “But I want the players, especially the attacking players, to go out on the pitch and be themselves and show their quality.”
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