GAME 1: VS BELGIUM
*From a purely tactical perspective, Canada’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup did not disappoint. Herdman’s squad started on the front foot and played positive, direct football from the outset. Belgium had difficulty breaking Canada’s effective high press, something even Kevin de Bruyne admitted to in post game remarks.
*Though Canada was a bit too loose at times, giving the ball away cheaply on occasion, the team made up for it with some tenacious defending, winning key tackles in the defensive half, intercepting passes and blocking shots.
*I don’t think anyone would have expected the 20+ attempted shots generated at the Belgian goal but the team as a whole did lack the clinical finishing they demonstrated throughout CONCACAF qualifying.
*If we look back at individual moments, in hindsight, I think most of us would have preferred to have someone like Jonathan David take the penalty but, at the moment it was awarded, no one would have begrudged Alphonso Davies the right to strike from the spot. It was a missed opportunity and I suspect the next penalty taker, should the chance arise again, will be different.
*There were times when a Canadian player was perhaps too selfish in taking a low percentage shot rather than passing off to a teammate in a more favourable position, but I won’t be critical of a player displaying the confidence to at least attempt a strike at goal.
*Cyle Larin’s entrance gave Canada a proper focal point in attack. He has the ability to occupy defenders and poses a threat every time he is near the ball. In the 30-odd minutes he played, he was a key figure in Canada’s offensive manoeuvres and may have won himself a starting job next time out.
*I suspect Canada won’t enjoy as much possession against Croatia as they did against the Belgians but the high Canadian press could prove disruptive as the Croatians prefer to play out of the back.
*After a 36-year absence, Canada marked its return to the World Cup with an outstanding performance against Belgium but the expectation now is to not only match that level of performance but to also secure a result in one or both of the two remaining group stage games.
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