World Cup: Day 18
Come on, now. Give me something to work with.
I wasn’t sure whether this newsletter would be a shorter one or not, since it’s just one game but maybe there’d be plenty to talk about. Well, it’ll be a shorter one.
Canada finished second in Group B behind Switzerland, forcing them to play all of their knockout games in the United States. There has been a lot of frustration about this, though I do think it was a difficult problem to solve. Had Mexico finished second in their group, this game would have been Mexico vs Canada, and the US would be a neutral territory (though Los Angeles’ Mexican community might’ve made it feel like a home game for one side). The answer was probably to put Canada and Mexico’s groups at opposite ends of the draw, but it’s a little late now.
Canada were the side that showed all the initiative here. As is to be expected from a Jesse Marsch team at this point, their good chances came from set pieces and counter-pressing. I do think they’re showing some good moments when they get it wide. If Alphonso Davies was anything close to fully fit, they’d have a real option in possession. But that’s not the Canada team we’re seeing, and based on what we saw here, I’m not sure Davies will be capable of starting a game in the tournament.
Canada eventually got ahead right at the death when Stephen Eustáquio smashed it in from range. I just felt vaguely relieved that I wouldn’t have to watch another half-hour of this. FIFA’s decision to schedule a single Round of 32 match on Sunday before a triple-header every day of the week might be the biggest head-scratcher of the tournament. People watch football on weekends! Put more games on when everyone has the free time!
Canada will now play either the Netherlands or Morocco, this time in Houston. I think the sort of game where they’ll see less possession should suit them well. Marsch’s sides thrive on launching transitions and attacking the space in behind, and he’s constructed Canada in exactly that image. I’d love to say that they could go further than expected, but they’re looking at France or Germany in the quarter-finals if they make it that far. But Canadians should be pleased by how well their national side has performed.
Today’s Games
Ok, we have a real schedule today. First up is Brazil vs Japan, which my gut tells me will be very frustrating for the Seleção before they get a late winner. After that Germany take on Paraguay, which should surely be a banker for Julian Nagelsmann. Finally we’ve got Netherlands vs Morocco, which could be the game of the tournament so far. I genuinely have no idea how that one shakes out. The stakes were low for the later group stage games, but they’re sky high now. I’m excited.