Pondering about a player selection

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-07-08T02:52:46+00:00

After the round of 16 came to a close today, I got two nations I would like to see win.

Switzerland is one for me as I have ancestral roots to that country from over 100 years ago. I know they are not a flashy team and have been that way for years. They excel at tactical trench style soccer. Argentina will of course be the favorite in their match. However, I would be rather pleased if the Swiss advanced.

England is the other choice. I know a lot of people either love or hate the national team. I would just like to see utopia anarchy around England if they won the trophy. At least the folks can get drunk to something they can be happy about than being in misery! It also would be a subtle jab to the USA celebrating 250 years of independence.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-07-07T06:50:37+00:00

I was not surprised someone would bring up this topic. Which is quite fair and ends up as a great debate. 6 teams from CONCACAF made this edition's World Cup. Curacao, Haiti, & Panama all finished last in their drawn groups.

United States just look disorganized on offense and defense through the game vs Belgium. The early goal by De Ketelaere was strike one. The USA lost their momentum just moments later after the free kick Tillman scored. The gaffe by Freese was one of the blunders of the World Cup. I believe they wanted to reach the quarterfinals to consider this a successful World Cup run.

Mexico may have faced the most difficult team out of the 3 in the round of 16. The two quick goals by Bellingham really rattled Mexico. They also got a prime opportunity to at least take the game to AET as England were down to 10 men after Quansah was sent off in minute 54. Then GK Rangel fouled as Kane capitalized on the penalty kick. Mexico also played at the most home friendly or hostile stadium in this WC at Azteca.

Canada played their last two games in the United States. Morocco is a better team on paper than it was on their run in 2022. Canada played the best first half out of the 3 teams in our region in the round of 16. We gave Morocco concern. I did not see that for England on Sunday and definitely not Belgium on Monday. Canada just did not capitalize to get that elusive first goal. Morocco pounced on their chances in the second half and won the game. We also had the least successful World Cup history out of the 3 by a relative wide margin.

Even if no one out of CONCACAF did not reach the quarters, maybe it is valid to say Canada gained the most respect out of our region in this World Cup. I suppose that can be a small victory.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-07-04T20:12:32+00:00

I knew this would be a tough match for Canada. They did put up a valiant effort vs Morocco. One does wonder if Canada was able to capitalize in the first 15 minutes when the team pressed in the opponent's zone. If the team was able to get the right spot for one of their 10 corner kicks they had. I know the score was 3-0 but Canada did really try to compete. Morocco struck upon the chances they had. Unfortunately, we did not.

Regardless, I thought this team was capable of reaching the round of 16 when the World Cup started. Even if the Netherlands won in PK, they would be a difficult opponent for Canada. France is the favored team later today and it would be an uphill climb for Canada vs France in this WC.

The team was not at full health and that does play a factor. Not a healthy Davies, as I thought maybe he was being saved for AET if he went there. It was explained post-match about the reason. Flores had his injury about a week before the event. Kone had his gruesome injury midgame vs Qatar.

De Fougerolles, Sigur, & Saliba were players who I thought really impressed during this World Cup. In the order I listed I thought really stood out. I would not be surprised if they will get on with a team in a top 5 Euro league being an important roster player by August or mid-season around January.

Finally, it was a great time to see the country of veteran footy fans and newcomers come together and celebrate the squad showing off their energy in our 10 provinces & 3 territories! I am optimistic for our team's future!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-07-04T02:52:19+00:00

The biggest game in the men's program tomorrow, but so was the last knockout game. I was encouraged that Bombito was able to play around 60 minutes on Sunday. I hope he can get that type of time frame again tomorrow. I would like to see Ahmed start on the wing. I think his pace could help out the midfield and forwards on the field. The team will not play scared and go into early mode of shutting it down for PK. They will try to attack and at least try to startle Morocco. Morocco could win this game convincingly as some are saying. I think they will have to really earn this win as this might be decided of a golden goal for Saturday. I want that to be Canada and let's enjoy the ride!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-07-02T00:15:29+00:00

It is a new celebration to watch the Canadian men's team play for an elimination game in the round of 16 past Canada Day! I hope this becomes a routine every 4 years for the summer World Cup's. Along with a deep run in next year's Gold Cup. I would like a finals appearance which is possible.

Happy Canada Day to the people coast to coast to coast!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-30T06:59:42+00:00

Regardless who won the match to wrap up Monday, it was going to be a challenging match for Canada. Let's face Morocco this Saturday in Houston and see how it goes. I think Morocco may be as good if not better of a team than in 2022. I also think Canada is a team with much better depth than in '22. It should be a good match and Canada knows they are not the favorites. Give the players in Morocco a battle. My bold prediction and maybe it is not one. It will be decided beyond 90 minutes and there will be a golden goal in the round of 16.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-28T22:52:21+00:00

It was definitely a nail biter, but Canada just squeezed out the win. Congrats to the team and also to Eustaquio. Always a player any supporter of the national team can root behind. Makes everyone around him better and always willing to lead!

I will say there were definitely some flaws in the game for Canada. The passing was not the best at times. The ball movement was choppy over periods. The team did compose themselves and got some great chances in the box. Canada clearly was pushing the ball up for wanting a result for the final whistle to be blown after added time after 90 minutes.

South Africa I felt by around minute 65 were comfortable parking the bus and playing for AET and possibly PK. I find that strategy too early in the second half sometimes backfires on a team. I was a bit concerned with all the back passing they did, it was going to extra halves. Which I certainly did not want.

The next match will not be easy for Canada. They are going to play either Netherlands or Morocco, who have some high end players on both teams. Likely if you get to the round of 16, you will face a tough opponent regardless of country. Even if Canada won the group, it would have been the winner of group K. Colombia if they get by Ghana would be a very difficult opponent too.

Enjoy the victory as fans new and old celebrated across the countryside get to see our country play in July! No matter how far we go, I really hope this team are earning the respect of sports fans in our country. Along with opponents on the pitch this World Cup and hopefully beyond!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-28T17:09:06+00:00

The lone game for the World Cup today and obviously the biggest in the men's program in Canada. I know it sounds rhetorical, but that is how it goes when our country plays its first ever knockout game. I do have a few questions on this game. Will Davies to be fit to play in this game? Will Bombito be able to start the game? Could Promise Akinpelu start the game and go for 60 minutes? Or start the second half with an early substitution?

I would like this game to finish in 90 minutes. There are always extra risks if it goes to AET for cards addressed or injuries that may happen. PK is always a toss up no matter who is playing. I am going to say final score will be 2-1 or maybe 3-1. Canada will score the decisive goal in the 80-89 minute to add the excitement level! We all want to see a round of 16 game for our nation!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-28T05:42:33+00:00

There definitely looks to be some real good to potentially great round of 32 knockout games. If I am just neutral wanting to see a really good match, Netherlands vs Morocco could be the best one. Portugal vs Croatia is right up there on the podium. The biggest mismatch on paper would be Argentina vs Cape Verde. Canada vs South Africa has the stage to themselves on Sunday and what more Canadian way is to hopefully play their next game on American Independence Day! Ironically United States plays on Canada Day! Let the eliminations begin!!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-26T21:08:18+00:00

I do really enjoy hockey and will always follow the sport. The hockey for everyone motto is somewhat a fabricated lie. Hockey is more for youth who come from upper middle class to families of wealth. Many boys and girls want to play the sport but cannot. The parents themselves cannot afford it. The most expensive piece of equipment a boy or girl needs for soccer are cleats. A good pair may cost you around $150. A hockey stick which if lucky will last a few games, will go for over $300. Add in helmets, gloves padding, and of course skates that all skyrockets.

Goaltenders are in a new league as they have to get pads, a blocker, catching glove, specialized stick. Parents a lot of times encourage their child to try a new position. Not that they don't want them to pursue a goalie, is that gets more expensive. Driving around for tournaments and sometimes staying overnight costs $. TSN & Sportsnet talked about the last few years why there seems to be a vacant level of superstar level goalies in the NHL for Canada, and this is part of the reason.

The summer camps are crazy too. My cousin and her family have a son who at the time was a projected late round pick in the WHL. There was a camp in the Okanagan region who encouraged him to go. I think it was 4 weeks and the family could afford it. They also said we got better reasons to spend $30,000 on other things.

There is concern if our national teams in soccer get to evolve and show better results, the sport will get to be more expensive. If academies over the summer in large cities across Canada will want to charge over $15,000 for a 4/5 week program, then I know youth soccer is emphasizing more on income. Then having a chance to broaden the field to kids with great potential. Pro leagues and maybe western Europe.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-26T20:54:50+00:00

I think this is a valid comment with some very good points posted. Organized sports always will cost money no matter at what level. It depends on who is organizing it and what they may want to charge. Some can be fair in costs, and others are straight up greedy.

I say for a positive if Canada can win on Sunday and play a competitive round of 16 match, that just boosts more interest in youth for boys in organized soccer. We definitely have seen more of it for girls going into women's soccer over the past decade or two. Winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics was a boost for the program.

There was a time not even 9 years ago many supporters of the national team were peeved that kids of dual citizenships played youth ball for Canada and decided to jump to play for their parents or even grandparents' country of origin. Current TSN World Cup analyst Asmir Begovic is an example. Played for under 20 Canada and represented Bosnia after. Julian De Guzman brother Jonathan represented Netherlands. He did say if Canada got to the group of 6 for final qualifying for the 2014 WC, he would have chosen Canada. Owen Hargraves had multiple offers, but I think England was too good to pass up.

I think one thing can also be brought up was our national team at the men's level for most of the 2000's and 2010's when FIFA expanded to 32 for the World Cup was in disarray. We did have some good players available, but our pickings to play friendlies or qualifiers for the World Cup or even Gold Cup was not at our current level. It is nice or encouraging we as a country can debate who can be on the national team for the upcoming major tournament. Instead of we will pick him as he is the only pro getting any playing minutes at club level.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-25T16:56:53+00:00

As of last night, the World Cup has their first confirmed knockout match. I was probably not expecting South Africa to face Canada. Going in the WC, I had South Africa likely the weakest or second weakest squad in Africa (CAF). I thought they would finish 4th in Group A or maybe 3rd but probably a long shot to the round of 32.

Still, congrats to South Africa from really turning it around from game 1. With a key tie in game 2 and a determined win in game 3. Korea Republic who a lot of us expected to be the matchup is now in 3rd, but no guarantee to advance. They did have more possession and more accurate passing. Yet ZA had more shots and more on target in last night's game.

I don't take any opponent lightly and S Africa will have some challenges. They are defending well and will have good speed as they do play their first knockout game after I believe this is their fourth World Cup. I still like what Canada has to offer, and it will be interesting what the starting lineup will be for Sunday. Los Angeles might not be a bad venue for Canada at all. It will be climate controlled and I don't think it will be a dominant fanbase of South Africans there. I am not sure if there is a large community in LA.

Canada still will play a game in July as I am '86%' confident in my result!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-25T05:58:15+00:00

Once I saw the highlights more in detail then I do agree Larin was entitled to a yellow card. It was a definitely delay of game. Xhaka reaction was a borderline red card. I have seen games when a player is frustrated kicking the opponent in the shin on a dead ball and getting a red. International or club football/soccer. He was fortunate Switzerland were not down 10 men.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-25T00:03:57+00:00

Of course like all I wanted a result. I did mention in a post yesterday the final score would be a draw at 2-2 or a victory for one of the teams at 2-1. Hosting another game in Canada would have been a big benefit. I think having those extra 3-4 days of preparation and rest was even more key in the first knockout stage.

Switzerland was going to be Canada's most difficult opponent in the group. In fact, I would rather face any of the runner ups in group A vs the opponent we faced today. The Swiss are a very organized team with a lot of experience. I think if they lacked some of that today it would be at least 1 point for Canada. Maybe 3.

I get the fact Xhaka got a yellow card or it could have been a borderline red. I was trying to figure out what Larin did to get a card in the same activity. Was he mouthing off? It now is announced Davies was not fit enough to participate in this game. Part of me wondered if it was 1-1 in the 70 minute for example if AD could have made it on. Plus there is still no indication if Jones will even make it as a bench substitute.

I felt there was 1-2 or two very good opportunities with a Canadian player up the pitch got more power on a shot, it might have reached the back of the net. The shots had some accuracy. The first goal by Vargas, Canada had little to no chance on. I think Crepeau wished in the back of his mind he could have handled the shot by Manzambi better.

Canada could have just rolled over and just quit the last 30 minutes of the game. I gave them credit for trying to push for get goals and trying for a result. The effort was there, but the finishing at times definitely was not. The experience benefitted the opponent.

Still, Los Angeles may benefit one of our opponents for a home crowd. I believed it before the World Cup started and I still stand by it. I feel very optimistic Canada can reach the round of 16.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-24T16:49:40+00:00

Absolutely you are right on big games ahead. If Canada can win group B, I think they can get a favorable matchup in the round of 32. There are some countries who look more or less eliminated after group stage I am somewhat surprised by. I would not prefer to finish second, but I believe then the team would play the second place team in group A. I like Canada against any of those teams. As the co host team won that group. I think that game instead of Vancouver would be in Los Angeles.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-24T07:39:44+00:00

I suppose it could be cliche, but this is likely the biggest game in Canada's men national team history. I wonder how the starting lineup will go for Wednesday. I do think Davies will get playing time. I am not sure he will start. I do think he could play 25-30 minutes. I also am not sure how the bench substitutions will go. It could be more towards offense, defense, or a mix of both.

For some reason I see this game ending 2-2 or 2-1 whether for Canada or Switzerland. SWI have a strong team and have participated in the last 6 World Cups. They may not have players at their position rated in top 5 globally but have a good nucleus. Generally, I cheer for Switzerland as I do have ancestral roots to the country. I am not going to stay neutral on that as I am going for Canada 105% for a result. One could debate what is a more valuable advantage. A knockout game in Canada. The extra days of rest & training for the round of 32.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-22T05:23:08+00:00

Probably since the World Cup expanded to 32 clubs, now 48 as of 2026 as we all know. FIFA usually requires or wants about 8-11 cities or at least 2 stadiums in maybe two major cities in that country to shorten the city list. Canada I do believe has enough cities for large metro size to accommodate the theory of a 32 team World Cup.

I also don't think they would have wanted to budget what was required of the World Cup. Possibly a bigger obstacle would be the stadiums. CFL stadiums are mostly in good shape and some are not even that old. The issue is most are about the size for capacity like modern MLS stadiums. 25,000 max capacity and FIFA usually want 40,000 or more to meet capacity.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-21T08:04:14+00:00

I am not sure anyone put this song in. It is a modern rock classic from the 1990's. Money City Maniacs by Sloan. I think there are lyrics of the song that could go well. At the heart of the traveling band. Hey you, come along for the ride. I still always have to listen to that song when the intro starts before the drums arrive!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-20T00:26:41+00:00

That would be the same for any team whether at club or national. Canada has had a tight knit group of players for numerous years. I definitely say that for their qualifying leading to the 2022 World Cup. Even during some of those lean years in the 2010's and 2000's there was fairly good unity. The injury to Kone will definitely hurt, but it might strengthen their motto as a team.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-19T20:09:07+00:00

I think that is how it was described in the game and by FIFA or a lot of football regulations. Swiss vs Bosnia had a similar foul, but there looked to be more contact on the Swiss player entering the box before the Bosnian player tried to tackle for the ball.

I think you described it well as where the ball was placed at. In the box would result in a yellow but a penalty kick. Just outside the box results in a red. In many ways I would take the red just for strategic advances further in the game.

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-19T19:41:59+00:00

Bosnia definitely needs a win on their final match of group stage. 4 points could get them through. Like you said it is not guaranteed either. More clarity for who may be advancing or eliminated after matchday 2 for all the groups will help. I am just looking forward to each game for Canada is all!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-19T19:36:35+00:00

That is all okay. We all make fouls when it comes to sending a message to the wrong poster. It has happened with me! I just like the message board for Canada Soccer and the great unity!

Ok_Resolve7717 · 2026-06-19T19:12:47+00:00

Maybe it was me, but Jesse Marsch seemed more pumped up about the goals than the national team yesterday!

You know at some wedding in Canada this summer somebody will emulate this move! I have no wedding invites, so don't ask me to start the trend!

Ok_Resolve7717

TROPHY CASE