Canada - Spain Postgame Comments

[Guest Jeffery S.]

Hope it is alright to start a new thread.

I see the game as having maybe five parts.

1)For the first 15 we came out passing well and I'd say with superior possession, showed our cards.

2)Spain took control in the last half hour of the 1st half, had more play and control, we did not really threaten, and they got their goal in this period. We did well to ensure they did not get more (though they found a post with Karim beaten and watching (m. 41)) and stayed more or less composed in spite of it all. Ref helped by not adding extra time.

3) 2nd half a good even start until our goal, a cracker. Outstanding, followed by the free kick, and Spain a bit unsettled, ending with the 2nd card to Pitolo for his charge on Taty (as Dale calls him).

4) Spain with 10 is actually better organized, more focussed, and though we are playing okay, they actually have more sense and urgency in their play, though without really threatening Karim except on a few not overly good occasions (Manu on the far post on a cross Alim does not get to). The last 10 minutes we control more, as Spain drops back a bit, and their changes are a confession that the wings are not working for them (Juanfran and Gavilan out). Kudos to our tactics.

5) Extra time, we just did not let ourselves have a chance, as Asante makes a big error, probably not helped by Karim (who had to shout "clear" if he was not going for it).

Overall the team was okay. We had some horrible give-aways from Marshall on the back left marking Juanfran, which for me were the negative mark of our play. Asante did a bit better, though I think his wing was weaker, but he also blew some passing and tried to dribble out when he should have passed. Like right before our goal, we were lucky to recover (m. 50). These were very immature blunders.

Other negative aspect is that we did not pass crisply out of the back (except right at the start) meaning our midfielders were not as dynamic without the ball as they should have been. Still, the fact that we are passing out short from the back is an enormously positive step, think Dale did well on this. Spain respected us more than we expected I think, and we had time with the ball that we did not believe we would have. But did not really connect back with mid, mid with front, with clarity.

Another "negative" comment: Lemire is a good passer but his sub in was not noticed, he simply did not help where he should have, with Chin in the middle and Hume up front.

Positive notes: first, the grey but effective job Di Tullio did on Iniesta. Excellent in the midfield, really did not let him dominate the game or mark its rhythm, which is why we stayed in it. Sure, there was that one long pass from the mid to S. Garcia who almost put it in as he cut back onto his left foot and shot over(m. 27), and then the goal, where Jason simply did not follow him all the way as the defenders should have picked him up. But overall the work by Di Tullio was first class on a guy already playing first team for Barça.

There was also some fine defending in the back middle, I liked Arango a lot in the second half. In one sequence he pushed the ball to corner on tough defending three straight times, quenching danger (m. 66, 67, 69, just after Spain goes down to ten).

Chin was dynamic as always, he just is missing the forward pass. I like him a lot and he has good fundamentals, but not having Hutchinson beside him today, like they played in qualifying, probably took away from his effectiveness.

Unlike most here I am not a Sita fan, think he is too green, his movements are immature and defending as well. Perhaps it would have been nice to see Hume out right and Godfrey in there later on, with Sita out. For me he is not one of our future stalwarts.

I liked Simpson a lot, he is athletic and much of what he does is based on this strength, but he also has technique and thinks with the ball. What he would do with some good youth team experience on a pro club. How about it Josh?

Finally, Karim. Did well today. Had some nice stops, was in the right place, I do not fault him on the goal as with four defenders on three strikers to cover a low long ball, he should not be coming out. It should have been cleared and that is that. Nice stop on a shot in m. 62 by Gabi. Stood still on the Gavilan shot that hit the post, but he clearly felt he could not reach it, though we were lucky on it.

Congrats to the team, and to Dale. You have done us proudly, we really came close to doing something extraordinary, and in the end what have done is truly fine.

[JayWay]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that Spain really upped their game when they went down. At times it seemed every 50-50 ball was met by two Spaniards to one Canadians. It seemed like it was Canada who was a man down at times. I was disspointed Canada was not more aggressive in going for the throat when they had the chance.

[fza]

quote:Originally posted by Jeffrey S.

Overall the team was okay. We had some horrible give-aways from Marshall on the back left marking Juanfran, which for me were the negative mark of our play.

I agree...Marshall was probably the weakest player out there, it seemed that he had shaky boots today, he committed a lot of errors but he`s not to blame. It was just bad luck!.

It sort of looked like they were waiting for PK`s by not making that extra man count.

The players that not only have a bright future on the National team but in Europe as well are:

1)Iain Hume

2)Josh Simpson

3)Atiba Hutchinson

4)Sita-Taty Matondo

5)Jason Di Tullio

6)Gordon Chin

7)Alim Karim

WOW 7 OUT 11 STARTERS!!..LOOKING GOOD!!!!!

[fza]

quote:Originally posted by Jeffrey S.

Overall the team was okay. We had some horrible give-aways from Marshall on the back left marking Juanfran, which for me were the negative mark of our play.

I agree...Marshall was probably the weakest player out there, it seemed that he had shaky boots today, he committed a lot of errors but he`s not to blame. It was just bad luck!.

It sort of looked like they were waiting for PK`s by not making that extra man count.

The players that not only have a bright future on the National team but in Europe as well are:

1)Iain Hume

2)Josh Simpson

3)Atiba Hutchinson

4)Sita-Taty Matondo

5)Jason Di Tullio

6)Gordon Chin

7)Alim Karim

WOW 7 OUT 11 STARTERS!!..LOOKING GOOD!!!!!

[bettermirror]

gordon chin is too small. di tullio is another bircham at best.

if karim can get some major first team action there is no reason why he shouldn't be our number 1. big, confident, and agile. the tears at the end shows he loves canada as well.

[The Ref]

I am proud of these Canadian players and Coach Mitchel, we are certainly playing far better than years back. In spite of all our soccer disadvantage we have improved and can only get better. To me the final outcome was a 1-1 tie with Spain and that says a lot. Golden goal is just a system to come up with a winner for a game. It can go either way because the other team does not have a chance to equalize. I still prefer penalties as both teams have equal chances. In summary it is too bad that Dale Mitchel is not interested to coach the senior team.

[kelownaguy]

Jeff, I'm not quite on the Sita bandwagon yet, I agree with you in the fact that he's green and has some maturing to do along with maybe some work on his finishing skills. Hopefully catching on with a club in Europe somewhere will help him develop his skills, but I really think he's a heck of a prospect. With a combo of that blinding speed on the ball and decent footwork, he is one of those very rarely seen players on a Canadian team that can really "bring it" and strike some fear in the opponents, especially when they gave him just a little bit of daylight out there. I have to agree about Marshall, maybe it was just a bad game for him, but he had 4 or 5 very poor turnovers near his own goal, just seemed like he panicked when Spain pressured him.

FZA, I don't see Arango on your future prospects list for National team, he was really solid on the back with Hutchinson today

[bettermirror]

arango's touch is too heavy.

[fza]

quote:Originally posted by kelownaguy

FZA, I don't see Arango on your future prospects list for National team, he was really solid on the back with Hutchinson today

He had a good game today but I just listed the ones that caught my eye today against a power house like Spain.

I have more of an outside perspective (living in Chile) of the these players because it was the first time I have actually seen them play. All the reference I had before the game was from all the comments on the boards and from news articles.

[David C.]

From the various reports I have read, it appears that Hume was by far our strongest player. He seems headed for bigger and better things, very soon.

Hutchinson appeared more quitely reliable, than imposing, but we know what he can do and he did play out of position in the latter games.

Simpson, Matondo and Karim probably have the most to gain. Time in a pro setting/ good youth academy could do these guys wonders. Marshall, Chin, Arango and DiTullio had some good moments to build upon.

I was surprised by the lack of input from Godfrey and Ledgerwood - thought that they would have figured more - even as subs. Starting to give up on Belotte - I see Brad Parker all over again.

[codegoat]

I thoroughly enjoyed todays game. Nice to finally be able to watch a game.

I thought the guys played very well, a few slip ups. But that is to be expected.

The golden goal was definately hard to swallow, but I honestly feel that we were "in" that game. Had the luck rolled the other way, we would be celebrating. They definately had some awesome chances, but we did too.

I am very proud of our showing in the tournament, congrats all!

This is what I will take away from this tournament.

All of the guys played awesome, Kudos to Karim. Awesome goal Iain.

-Travis

[Gian-Luca]

It might be worth noting that the "green" Matondo hasn't even turned 19 yet. I think he just needs to latch on to a European club (and I think he will) that can teach him how to shoot. His skills will continue to improve, and lets face it, tremendous speed isn't something you can teach a player.

[codegoat]

I was also very surprised that they covered Josh so heavily... I figured they would have more on Hume.

[redhat]

I thought Arango had a great game , same with Hume, Simpson,

Hutchison, and Karim. At times it was the Canadians who surprised

everyone including the announcer. Imagine if Hume's free kick

had gone in instead off the post!

I thought Marshall and Asante had their hands full today, but this

is a Spanish team with PROs already ...

Congrats to Dale and the boys. Thanks to Sportsnet. Certainly made my morning.

[Rodway]

A lot of guys are being given props for the way they played today. The one guy I haven't seen mentioned is (in my opinion) our player of the game Francesco Bruno! He never made a single mistake the entire game!!!

[Gian-Luca]

CSA Report:

Men's Youth (U-20) Team

Friday, December 12, 2003

Spain Eliminates Canada In Extra Time

Ottawa, Ontario - Canada’s Men’s Youth (U-20) Team were today eliminated from the FIFA World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates following a golden goal scored by Spain in the fifth minute of extra time.

Canada came on strong with an early scoring chance when Iain Hume fed a pass to Josh Simpson in the penalty area where Spanish goalkeeper Riesgo and his defender shut him down.

Canadian goalkeeper Alim Karim would earn a yellow card in the 25th minute on a challenge on Sergio Garcia; the ensuing free kick was easily handled by Canada.

In the following minute, Garcia would receive a long through ball and get past Atiba Hutchinson for a shot that flew inches over Canada’s cross bar.

Spain would score in the 35th minute after FC Barcelona midfielder Iniesta received an excellent through ball in Canada’s penalty area; Iniesta released the ball a few yards out of the net before an approaching Karim could stop his attack.

Tranmere Rovers striker Iain Hume earned the second half equalizer for Canada after taking control of the ball five yards past the center mark and proceeded towards the net before concluding with marvelous strike past a right diving Riesgo in the 53rd minute.

Canada almost took the lead moments later in the 55th minute on a free kick by Hume that sailed to the net and struck the left post. Canada’s subsequent rebound by Canada missed wide of the net.

In the 65th minute, Spain would go down a man when Vitolo collided with Sita-Taty Matondo and earned his second caution and the expulsion from the match.

Spain's golden goal and Canada’s elimination came in the fifth minute of extra time when a long ball sent towards the Canadian penalty area was received by Arizmendi who then capitalized on a defensive miscue and broke past Karim to easily tap the ball into the net.

“We’re really proud of what the boy’s have accomplished at the Youth Championships,” said Head Coach Dale Mitchell. “We got a great goal by Iain Hume to keep us in the match; unfortunately we didn’t have the legs to get us into the semi-finals.”

December 12, 2003 - FIFA World Youth Championships

Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Attendance: 15,000

Canada 1 (0)

Spain 2 (1) aet

Referee: SOUZA Wilson (BRA)

Goals: Canada: Hume (53); Spain: Iniesta (35), Arizmendi (95)

Cautions: Canada: Matondo (4), Karim (26), Chin (60), Di Tullio (74); Spain: Vitolo (36,65), Bouzon (55), Pena (61)

Expulsions: Vitolo (65)

Canada: 1– Alim KARIM; 2– Winston MARSHALL; 4–Kevin HARMSE (11- Chris LEMIRE, 43); 6– Andres ARANGO; 7–Jason DI TULLIO (12- Francesco BRUNO, 95); 8–Gordon CHIN (captain); 9– Iain HUME; 13 – Atiba HUTCHINSON 15– Josh SIMPSON; 17 – Sita Taty MATONDO; 18- Richard ASANTE

Substitutes not used: 19- Tom LINDLEY; 20- Josh WAGENAAR; 3- Nikolas LEDGERWOOD; 5- Waldemar DUTRA; 10- Wyn BELOTTE; 14- David EDGAR; 16- Elliott GODFREY. Head Coach – Dale MITCHELL

Spain: 13-RIESGO; 3-PENA; 4-CARLOS GARCIA; 5-MELLI (Capt); 6-VITOLO; 8-INIESTA; 9-SERGIO GARCIA (14-ARIZMENDI, 85); 11-GAVILAN (10-MANU ,77); 12-BOUZON; 16-GABI; 17-JUANFRAN (7-COROMINAS, 66)

Subs not used:1-MOYA; 20-RUBEN; 2-ALEXIS; 15-GOIKOETXEA; 18-PINA; 19-TELLO. Head Coach - UFARTE Jose (ESP)

[Grizzly]

I agree with most of Jeffrey's analysis but differ on Chin and Matondo. Here are my player rankings:

Karim - 8 Solid performance, had a chance on each goal but could not be blamed for either. Seemed very confident and assured, surprising as he was apparently shaky in the U23s game in El Salvador and this was certainly a much larger stage. Good shot stopping ability, good with his feet and kicking, should probably work on handling crosses and corner kicks as he misjudged a few of these.

Marshall 4 According to some posters who had watched earlier games was our strongest defender but he certainly was not today. Terrible give aways could have made him responsible for two to three goals had the Spaniards capitalized. Hopefully this was just nerves and he will bounce back. Definitely improved in the second half.

Arrango 8 Strong physical play and good with his feet. Very good one on one in challenges by some Spanish players of very high pedigree.

Asante 7 Bad mistake on goal but otherwise played a fine game. May have been the youngest Canadian to play depending which birthdate listed on the CSA site one should believe.

Hutchinson 8 Solid play, probably would have shone more in his usual midfield role but the overall shoring up of the defence he provided was more important for the team. Challenged the Spanish attackers effectively, passed well and was hard to take off the ball. Seemed to be at the same level of play as the better Spaniards.

Di Tullio 8.5 For me he was the revelation of the match. Very involved and physical, won many 1 on 1 fights for the ball, only carded late in the game and caused a great deal of trouble for the Spanish midfield. And all this considering he was covering maybe the top player in the tournament.

Chin 4 I thought he was very poor and I didn't see much today to lead me to expect much more in the future. He was the main problem in our midfield and the main reason our forwards didn't get involved as much as they could have and often had to make their own opportunities. Poor to non-existent distribution, gave the ball away as much as Marshall did although this was less noticeable as this occured in midfield. Lacked pace and seemed to lose most one on one fights for the ball, a complete lack of physical presence combined with poor foot skills. The ease with which the Spanish mids could catch up to him and strip him of the ball allowed Simpson and Hume to be frequently double covered. Would have preferred he be subbed instead of Harmse although maybe we didn't have a viable alternative at centre mid. I don't think he has the skill level of the rest of the team and we need to find an alternative at this crucial position as this team move to U23 level.

Simpson 8.5 Very impressive player, able to take on two Spanish players and beat them. Very physical, has pace and can pass, shoot and win the ball. Another player I thought was at the level of the better Spanish players. If he can play like this consistently could and probably should definitely step into a starting position in a 1st division league in countries such as Sweden or Denmark.

Harmse 6 Was average in his 43 minutes, did win some balls and was somewhat of a physical presence and didn't do anything that hurt us.

Lemire 7 Thought he showed potential even if he is not there yet. Has physical ability but needs to polish his skills. Created some offensive chances for himself but then was unable to use them. Should have won the game for Canada by burying the rebound on Hume's free kick.

Matondo 7.5 Another player with great potential but who needs to polish his skills. Had some great chances and was always dangerous but failed to capitilize due to poor finishing. However, he has the physique and talent to become a very good player with hard work. If it weren't for the short season, playing first team with Montreal might be better for him than playing in a youth or reserve side in Europe but he probably needs to be in a year long training program. it should also be noted that Matondo only turns 19 in a few weeks and depending on the correct age of Assante, may have been the youngest Canadian player. Very impressed by the showing of the Impact players today.

Hume 8 Had great moments but also seemed to disappear for long periods probably due to the lack of service. Was dangerous and exciting when he had the ball, has great vision, great shot, pace and very physical. Was fouled quite a bit by the Spanish defenders, it seemed like the ref thought he went down too easy once early in the game and didn't call anything else on him subsequently. Should definitely at least be a current sub for the full national team particularly due to his ability at taking free kicks. We don't have anyone on the full side particularly gifted at this and able to score off the kick itself. Watching him taking these kicks I had the idea that he is the Canadian player closest to Beckham in this respect that I have seen. Another player at the level of the better Spaniards.

Mitchell 8 I would give him a 9 for the tournament as a whole as the team seemed to play very tactically sound with a lot of confidence and no panicking. He was also able to react effectively to developments during a game and was not afraid to make early subs when required. As I mentioned I did not think Harmse was the weakpoint in middlefield but maybe there was no viable alternative for Chin. However, I think he should have made earlier substitutions today because 1) the Canadians seemed to tire at the end as they ran a great deal more than the Spanish due to their pressuring tactics 2) the Spanish had three fresh players in and 3) I think he should have made an offensive sub after the red card to give the team confidence that he believed they could win it with the man advantage. There was no better time for us to beat the Spanish and he should have gone all out, of course, not forgetting defensive responsibilities. Maybe a guy with some finishing abilities such as Godfrey should have been subbed in.

Ref 7.5 I thought he was a bit harsh in the carding, was very picky and made a few mistakes that have already been mentioned by others. The Spanish also did a lot of offball obstruction fouling-hindering that was not called as usual (the surprise for me was the Spanish were doing this as it is usually us). Why the high mark then? I thought the ref was very fair and consistent and well in control of the game. Considering the financial interest FIFA had in seeing that Spain advanced instead of Canada and the poor refereeing in the World Cup I am almost inclined to give him a 10. The red card may have been harsh but was also in keeping with how he called the game. The teams have to adapt to a referee and he called the game exactly the same for both teams. Harsh and a few mistakes (as always) but competent unbiased refereeing.

[shaku_bert]

Hume really impresses me. I agree he disappeared for stretches but manymany forwards do that, Yet, just like many of the greats, he re-appeared to do something magical. i also think our keeper was pretty good. I don't like Simpson's hair. But then I'm bald and jealous.

[codegoat]

quote:Originally posted by shaku_bert

I don't like Simpson's hair. But then I'm bald and jealous.

haha, I'll tell him you said that!

[Jarrek]

I think Josh has the potential to become Canada's David Beckham. (He just needs to marry someone like Avril Lavigne!) Hahahah!

[The Ref]

quote:Originally posted by Jarrek

I think Josh has the potential to become Canada's David Beckham. (He just needs to marry someone like Avril Lavigne!) Hahahah!

I believe he already has a girlfriend in Oregon.

[codegoat]

Aye, that he does

[Canuck Oranje]

Just one comment... It is good to be critical sometimes; but let's not diminish the acheivement. We competed against two sides in the semifinals, Brazil and Spain. I don't know much about Spain; but, most of the Brazilian players are regulars on their domestic sides in Brazil.. Think for a moment, how would we feel if we could say that all members of our MNT played regularly in Brazil? That leads me to wonder just how far this U-20 team is behind the MNT team that played Ireland and the Czech Republic. I am guessing it is far less than we think. The are players from the MNT like Stalteri and Radzinski playing Ireland and the Czech Republic that are clearly still a cut above. On the other hand, I am not sure if the remaining MNT, would be clear winners.

Further to that, think of the 97 U-20 team and the last team and where some of those players are today.. Then fast forward 6 years.. Being that this team performed better, it is not unreasonable to see a greater number of these players playing and starting in Europe.. Hume and Hutchison are almost certainties. I would guess Simpson and Matondo (have you ever seen an 18 year old that you wouldn't say was green?)as well. Beyond that, it is anyone's guess. Ledgerwood and Edgar (playing U-19 at Newcastle at the age of 16)are already in Europe. Still, I suspect there will be two or three that will surprise us.. And a couple that will disappoint us. After all, these are mostly 18-20 years olds.

[sstackho]

Canada pushes Spain to limit before bowing out

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article.jsp?content=20031212_112612_3860

Canada's previous best finish at the tournament was 10th in 1987, when the field consisted of 16 teams compared to the 24 today.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (CP) -- It took a golden goal to stop Canada's fairy-tale run at the world under-20 soccer championship in the United Arab Emirates.

And while Canadian coach Dale Mitchell applauded his team in the wake of Friday's 2-1 quarter-final loss to European champion Spain in Abu Dhabi, there was a tinge of regret as well.

The Canadians knew they had stood up to a side packed with players at some of the biggest clubs in Europe. But they also realized they had perhaps missed a half-chance to go even deeper into the prestigious tournament.

"First of all, we are really proud that they've come this far," Mitchell said after the game. "The kids themselves are a bit disappointed because there was a good opportunity to go to the semifinal. Even though I don't think that we played our best game of the tournament tonight. In the first half we were a little shaky.

"Iain (Hume) got us back in the game with a great goal and then they had a man sent off and it looked like things were starting to swing our way. But against the 10 men, we didn't spread them out and keep the ball as well as could have done.

"I think if we would have done that we would have had more gaps -- and possibly created an opportunity for the goal that we needed to win the match."

The Spaniards had 59 per cent of possession to 41 for Canada, but the Canadians made them work for the win.

The Canadian starting 11 included four university students, four players with the A-League and three overseas pros. The Spanish side had three players from Barcelona, one from Real Madrid and the rest from other top clubs.

Spain will now face Colombia in Monday's semifinal. The South Americans edged the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in their quarter-final Friday.

Defending champion Argentina will meet three-time champion Brazil in the other semifinal Monday.

Brazil beat Japan 5-1 in quarter-final play Friday while Argentina was pushed to the brink in a 2-1 extra-time win over the U.S.

Javier Mascherano scored in the fourth minute of injury time to take the match to extra time and captain Fernando Cavenaghi slotted home a penalty in the 100th minute for the win.

The Canadian effort was the best ever for Canada in a FIFA men's championship.

Compare this showing to the World Youth Championship in Argentina in 2001 when Canada went 0-3, failed to score a goal and finished dead last in 24th place.

Going into this tournament, Canada's record at the under-20 championship was 2-10-4. This Canadian side (2-2-0) took less than three weeks to match a victory total that had taken 22 years.

This time around, Canada survived a sluggish start and started turning heads after wrapping up the first round with a win over the Czech Republic that earned them the last place in the second round. Josh Simpson garnered more glory with a scintillating strike that lifted the Canadians past Burkina Faso in the round of 16.

And players like Tranmere Rovers striker Hume, University of Portland midfielder Simpson and Syracuse University goalkeeper Alim Karim used the tournament to showcase their skills.

Midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, who plays for Osters in Sweden, was also a standout.

"I think there's a few boys that have some interest from (pro) clubs," said Mitchell. "The clubs are pretty respectful during the tournament, they kind of leave it until after. So it will be interesting to see what happens."

The Spaniards were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when Victor Vitolo was sent off for a second yellow card, a needless shoulder challenge on Sita-Taty Matondo.

Substitute Javier Arizmendi scored the winning goal in the 95th minute.

The goal came from a long free kick from within the Spanish half that Canadian defender Andres Arango failed to clear. Instead, he accidentally nodded it down to Arizmendi, who made his way past two wrongfooted defenders and poked the ball past Karim with his left foot.

"At the end of the day, it seemed like Spain resorts to playing two big guys up front and playing long balls into your box," Mitchell said. "In that particular case, we didn't deal with it well enough to clear it and it ended up in our net."

Hume tied the game for Canada with a thundering strike in the 53rd minute. The striker from the English Second Division scored three of Canada's four goals at the tournament. And the native of Brampton, Ont., had a shot at another when he rocketed a free kick off the goalpost.

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta had put the Spaniards ahead in the 35th minute after a wonderful pass by Spanish captain Juan Alberto Melli split the Canadian defence. Iniesta, one of the stars of the Spanish side, poked the ball past an onrushing Karim.

Canada's previous best finish at the tournament was 10th in 1987, when the field consisted of 16 teams compared to the 24 today.

[sstackho]

Ben Knight: What a game!

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/columnist.jsp?content=20031212_135503_4320

Despite a heart-wrenching extra-time loss to Spain, the future of Canadian soccer is looking good.

One missed lunge. One wrong turn. One gallant young Spaniard who kept his head and stayed on his feet under pressure. One ball buried in the Canadian net in extra time, and just like that the shining prospect of a sensational quarterfinal upset at the men's Under-20 World Cup was gone.

Spain 2, Canada 1.

On the one hand, drat, drat, drat! On the other, what a wonderful performance by our brave and brilliant young lads!

Canada started strong, and for 15 minutes, the game was dead even. Josh Simpson, whose booming volley from way outside defeated Burkino Faso in the round of 16, hauled the ball deep on a good, surging run into the Spanish penalty area in the game's opening minute. Moments later, he was in again, gifted by a bad giveaway by Spanish defender Bouzon.

In stark contrast to the senior men's recent effort in Ireland, Canada was running hard, defending energetically and routinely running the ball straight at - and around - the enemy defence.

But Spanish experience and composure began to show, and the game appeared to be slipping away. The dangerous Sergio Garcia got his first good opportunity after a wafting cross eluded four Canadian defenders. Alim Karim, however, saved well in the Canada goal.

By 20 minutes, the Spaniards were pressing a clear territorial advantage. Atiba Hutchinson was playing good, composed defence for Canada. Beside him, Winston Marshall coughed up a bad giveaway, but made a fine, calculated slide tackle to break up the Spanish reply.

Then 27 minutes in, Spain was firmly in control of the midfield. Long searching balls were finding Garcia, and the Canadian defence was struggling to keep up. At the other end, Simpson and his superb strike mate, Iain Hume of England's Tranmere Rovers, had effectively been removed from the game because no balls were finding their way through to them.

Ten minutes before the break, a good ball down the middle sprung Iniesta, who ran unchallenged into the Canadian area and slotted his shot neatly under Karim, 1-0 Spain, and the disquieting possibility of many, many more to come. Canada tried to regain the midfield, but Gavilan hit the post for Spain on the counter break after a Hutchinson almost cashed in a long, low, looping free kick from Hume.

Just before the half, Canadian coach Dale Mitchell shuffled the deck, bringing on an extra attacker in the person of A-League standout Chris Lemire. Canada finished the half on the attack, but couldn't equalize.

A cunning trap was set for the Spaniards as the second half began. Simpson was hauled back to help out in the midfield, and Canada began to play almost everyone behind the ball.

"Very little going forward for Canada," British TV commentator John Helm was moved to mention. "This might turn out to be a damage-control exercise for them."

At 52 minutes, I scribble a note to myself: "Canada apparently looking to give up no more goals, catch Spain on the counterbreak." At 53 minutes, the trap is sprung. A long Canadian through ball caroms off a defender, straight into the path of a surging Hume. The rampant striker, mohawked hair streaked in bands of red and white, rockets a shot low and left, past diving Spanish netkeep Riesgo.

Game 1-1, and all pretense of a Canadian defensive shell evaporates. Just two minutes later, Hume rockets a 30-yard free kick off the Spanish goal post. Ten minutes after that, Canada's chances get a huge boost when Spain and Tenerife defender Vitolo is red-carded for his second bookable offence, a largely unnecessary shoulder dropped into the ribs of Canada's Sita-Taty Matondo.

So now who's in the driver's seat? Canada is all over the ball now, and yet it is Spain that continues to get the lion's share of good chances. Spain's supply of through balls from the midfield has been cut off, but the gritty Iberians - Europe's last remaining representatives in the tournament - continue to find ways to harry and stretch the Canadian defence.

Canada's best chance comes when Matondo runs past three defenders. In the end, his high, wide shot seemed wasted, particularly with Lemire open in space. Coach Mitchell clearly disagreed, though, and could be heard shouting a hearty "That's what we want!" from the sidelines.

And so we went to extra time, with Canada dead even on the scoreboard and a man up on the field.

Spain carried the play. They were poised, alert and took their time. Canada's defenders marked them closely, but all the important decisions were being made on the other side of the ball. And then, just like that, disaster. A crafty diagonal ball finds Arizmendi at the top corner of the Canadian box. Hutchinson lunged too late to stop it. Fellow defender Richard Assante tried to answer, but moved the wrong way. Arizmendi buried the ball, and the deepest run Canada has ever enjoyed in a men's World Cup at any level came to a sudden, dramatic and terribly final end.

But what a revelation!

Iain Hume, no question, is the goods. With a performance like this on the world stage, I think it's safe to assume his Tranmere Rover days will soon be done. Look for a top club to make a quick move to swoop this fleet and fearless prodigy away. Full marks, also, to Josh Simpson, who played his heart out in a game where good opportunities were few and far between.

And despite the sudden, sloppy way this story ended, there was a lot to like in the Canadian defence, as well. Andres Arango particularly impressed with good anticipation and a tasty selection of well-crafted tackles.

What I really loved, though, was the overall effort. This was a very intelligently played game. Canada showed little fear of their high-ranked opponents. Though Spain, in general, carried the game, our lads forced their chances hard, and showed inspiring overall heart and effort. And the trap coach Mitchell set for the Spaniards early in the second half was beautiful. What faith he must have in these lads. And - again - what a talent Iain Hume is.

Like the Under-19 women before them, quite a few of these youngsters will be significant players in Canada's upcoming qualifying drive for the 2006 World Cup. They must be carefully integrated with the veterans, so they can learn to be as comfortable on that great stage as they were against Spain this morning.

Canada, as an unfashionable outsider on the world footballing scene, must always play with heart, and must learn to take the game to stronger, deeper opponents. Our young men did that magnificently against Spain, and can count themselves unlucky not to win.

But the scoreline is the only defeat. In every other way that matters, this was a brilliant day for Canadian soccer.