Group F Opponent Watch (Belgium, Croatia, Morocco)

[RS]

6 minutes ago, Macksam said:

Poor UT, he knew a head of time what was going to happen, that and how the German opposing supporters took over his beloved stadium.

Must've borrowed @MtlMario's crystal ball.

[NotCanadian]

I'm a Croatian football (soccer) fan. If anyone has any questions about our NT, players or media, feel free to ask.

 

[narduch]

4 minutes ago, NotCanadian said:

I'm a Croatian football (soccer) fan. If anyone has any questions about our NT, players or media, feel free to ask.

 

Are your keepers shit?

Note I'm basing this only on the guy at Lille

[Unnamed Trialist]

9 minutes ago, RS said:

UT's post was almost 12 hours prior to the Barca loss.

I block that guy anyways and only see his posts if he's quoted (which is extremely rare). Which seems to alter him.  

[NotCanadian]

5 minutes ago, narduch said:

Are your keepers shit?

Note I'm basing this only on the guy at Lille

Yes, the keepers aren't great. We never had great goalkeepers but they ones we have currently are just decent. The one at Lille (on loan from Atletico Madrid), called Ivo Grbić (read: Eevo Garbage) was quite fortunate to have a great manager because very few of our goalkeepers get such opportunities. He's gonna be our 3rd choice GK judging by the last two friendlies, but I hope we take our best U21 keeper Kotarski instead.

I don't know which of the other two goalkeepers are going to start. Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb) is a phenomenal shotstopper and was, for a time, an undisputed number 1. He was in the Europa League team of the tournament last season and had many highlights worthy saves against Kane, Gerard Moreno etc. The problem with him started early this season when he was dreadful in getting off his line and defending setpieces. That really tanked his confidence and he started making mistakes. It's a real shame because he was so close to a huge move, being valued at 15 million euros while still playing in the Croatian league which is quite an insane estimation. Ivica Ivušić (NK Osijek) is not as fancy, but very modern goalkeeper that defends corners well and gets off his line often. He will likely be our backup goalkeeper the way it's going, but many of us want him starting. 

[narduch]

Just now, NotCanadian said:

Yes, the keepers aren't great. We never had great goalkeepers but they ones we have currently are just decent. The one at Lille (on loan from Atletico Madrid), called Ivo Grbić (read: Eevo Garbage) was quite fortunate to have a great manager because very few of our goalkeepers get such opportunities. He's gonna be our 3rd choice GK judging by the last two friendlies, but I hope we take our best U21 keeper Kotarski instead.

I don't know which of the other two goalkeepers are going to start. Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb) is a phenomenal shotstopper and was, for a time, an undisputed number 1. He was in the Europa League team of the tournament last season and had many highlights worthy saves against Kane, Gerard Moreno etc. The problem with him started early this season when he was dreadful in getting off his line and defending setpieces. That really tanked his confidence and he started making mistakes. It's a real shame because he was so close to a huge move, being valued at 15 million euros while still playing in the Croatian league which is quite an insane estimation. Ivica Ivušić (NK Osijek) is not as fancy, but very modern goalkeeper that defends corners well and gets off his line often. He will likely be our backup goalkeeper the way it's going, but many of us want him starting. 

Thanks for this 

[Gian-Luca]

1 hour ago, NotCanadian said:

I'm a Croatian football (soccer) fan. If anyone has any questions about our NT, players or media, feel free to ask.

 

I would imagine Alphonso Davies chances of going up against his former teammate in Ivan Perisic are good, but what about his current teammate Josip Stanisic, who I believe is only a few months older than Davies - is he likely to make the Croatian WC team?

[NotCanadian]

7 minutes ago, Gian-Luca said:

I would imagine Alphonso Davies chances of going up against his former teammate in Ivan Perisic are good, but what about his current teammate Josip Stanisic, who I believe is only a few months older than Davies - is he likely to make the Croatian WC team?

Stanisic would have to become a regular at Bayern which I find unlikely.

[Unnamed Trialist]

50 minutes ago, NotCanadian said:

Stanisic would have to become a regular at Bayern which I find unlikely.

Thanks so much for answering our queries, I was one of many supporting you in the last final--and saw a lot of tears in that pub I watched it in.

What do Croatia fans think about not having Rakitic? He seems to be very on form still. Do you think you would be better with him or have you moved past him?

[NotCanadian]

4 minutes ago, Unnamed Trialist said:

Thanks so much for answering our queries, I was one of many supporting you in the last final--and saw a lot of tears in that pub I watched it in.

What do Croatia fans think about not having Rakitic? He seems to be very on form still. Do you think you would be better with him or have you moved past him?

After the game against RM where he scored a freekick, there was a poll where 75% of fans said they'd like to see Rakitic back in the NT as a sub. That was probably too reactionary and/or simply nostalgia. Rakitic played terribly after the World Cup, and later admitted that he wanted to retire but had doubts. He retired in 2019 and got an official farewell last year at the end of the qualifiers against Russia.

We wouldn't be better with him because he doesn't have ambitions anymore and we  have better players on his postion.

[Bison44]

Hmm, I wonder if Rakitic will come out of retirement to play in the WC.....it has been almost 2 years..I guess we'll see.  

[IT20062021]

4 hours ago, NotCanadian said:

I'm a Croatian football (soccer) fan. If anyone has any questions about our NT, players or media, feel free to ask.

 

You’re a Croatian football fan in Canada or in Croatia ? 
I’m asking because it would be interesting to see how Croatians view the Canadian team? Aside from all the politically correct comments from coaches and federations.

[Macksam]

5 hours ago, Unnamed Trialist said:

I block that guy anyways and only see his posts if he's quoted (which is extremely rare). Which seems to alter him.  

UT:

 

Macksam:

[SthMelbRed]

3 hours ago, IT20062021 said:

You’re a Croatian football fan in Canada or in Croatia ? 
I’m asking because it would be interesting to see how Croatians view the Canadian team? Aside from all the politically correct comments from coaches and federations.

I was home visiting my dad the past couple of weeks. Our neighbours for the last 35+ years are Croatian-Canadian. The husband was born in Croatia, but the wife and kids are all Canadian-born. I met him out in the back yard while I was home and asked him if he had any mixed feelings about the World Cup and he immediately said that they'd be supporting Croatia fully. I suspect that that may be the case with most Croatian-Canadians.

[Free kick]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:57 AM, Club Linesman said:

My expectations are definitely tempered with the reality of our boys attending our first World Cup in three decades.  Many are talking like we are a lock to get out of the group which is ludicrous.  We play 2 teams that finished in the top 4 last WC.  Yes they are older but they have repeatedly been there and done that.  Most of our boys have never experienced that level of pressure or anything even close. Often in sports you need to experience the pinnacle of your sport before being better able to handle it when you get back.  Don’t get me wrong I think we could finish anywhere from 1st to 4th, but talking like we are a lock to get out is foolish.  

Three delta factors for me to watch out for:

1) Yes, the experience factor is one thing that could be our undoing.   Sides who show up at the world cup for the first time or after a long absence rarely make waves at the WC the first time.    When its been 36 years, there is nothing you can carry over from that experience into 2022.

2) The play at the world cup is much more defensive and the teams are much more defensively sound and tactically more refined.   This is the main problem, In my opinion, with CONCACAF.    We scored a lot against CONCACAF opposition, but a lot of our goals could just as easily be chalked to poor defensive play or structure on the part of our opposition.  That's not going to happen in the group we are in in Qatar.  Plus there is Thibault Courtois.

3) We don't really have a true set piece specialist.   I know that Eustaquio takes our set pieces but (despite his invaluable quality in other areas)  I don't find his direct free kicks at all threatening.  I don't think we have anybody on our MNT who is counted on to take free kicks at their own club.   Just about every other team in Qatar will have a number 10 and that's usually the guy who is the set piece specialist.   I Don't expect easy cheap goals like the ones in Edmonton against Mexico.   If the scoring chances dry up (as expected) in Qatar due to better opposition, scoring off of set pieces is going be more and more important.  

Edited April 19, 2022 by Free kick

[TGAA_Star]

Ancelotti cheering on Canada...who knew?

[Blondo]

I support Belgium (Belgian, living in Belgium). Over here people are mostly focussed on their club/club football atm. Things will heat up once we edge closer to the World Cup but I can already share some initial impressions.

A World Cup (group) opener never is taken lightly and as Canada didn't exactly go unnoticed during the qualis you're being taken seriously. Canada was one of the pot 4 teams I wanted to avoid. We're familiar with David, Larin and Buchanan. Ugbo also played in Belgium but wasn't up to snuff @Genk. The others, besides Davies of course, we don't know. Have to admit I've seen too little of Canada to properly assess your team (I'll have taken a closer look by November). I did already notice that you seem to change tactics and personnel quite often. You only get to bring 23 players (or 26 if FIFA allows it) but your manager has called up 3x as many and I hear he wants to blood in even more before the World Cup starts. That's insane.

On the face of it Canada could be a hard side to break down. Belgium however have the most prolific attack in world football and routinely beat solidly organised opponents. The lack of prep time ahead of our opener shouldn't be much of a problem as Belgium is a well-oiled machine with an experienced squad and staff (+ physical conditioning/players being drained will be less of an issue this time round and won't eat up as much prep time). For Canada it will be the first time back at the world stage. Hard to tell how your players will deal with such a big occasion (people tend to underestimate this aspect); and because I expect them to do better after finding their feet I'd rather face Canada in the opener. Travel/distances and weather won't have much of an impact but the World Cup being held in winter/mid-season (for most players) with only days to prepare for it is quite the departure from previous editions. Football conditions will be pretty much ideal with (near) perfect pitches; it's a fair weather destination for big clubs after all. Facing teams that thrive in these conditions would have helped Canada to adequately prepare but I guess opportunities to do so are limited.

Can anyone here sell me on Canada? Of course I'm mainly interested in our game but would also like to know what you expect to see from Canada in the World Cup. Do you feel the lack of prep time and the World Cup being held in winter will impact Canada's chances (has been one of the biggest talking points over here; well at least when not talking about certain other issues)?

[Corazon]

1 hour ago, Blondo said:

I support Belgium (Belgian, living in Belgium). Over here people are mostly focussed on their club/club football atm. Things will heat up once we edge closer to the World Cup but I can already share some initial impressions.

A World Cup (group) opener never is taken lightly and as Canada didn't exactly go unnoticed during the qualis you're being taken seriously. Canada was one of the pot 4 teams I wanted to avoid. We're familiar with David, Larin and Buchanan. Ugbo also played in Belgium but wasn't up to snuff @Genk. The others, besides Davies of course, we don't know. Have to admit I've seen too little of Canada to properly assess your team (I'll have taken a closer look by November). I did already notice that you seem to change tactics and personnel quite often. You only get to bring 23 players (or 26 if FIFA allows it) but your manager has called up 3x as many and I hear he wants to blood in even more before the World Cup starts. That's insane.

On the face of it Canada could be a hard side to break down. Belgium however have the most prolific attack in world football and routinely beat solidly organised opponents. The lack of prep time ahead of our opener shouldn't be much of a problem as Belgium is a well-oiled machine with an experienced squad and staff (+ physical conditioning/players being drained will be less of an issue this time round and won't eat up as much prep time). For Canada it will be the first time back at the world stage. Hard to tell how your players will deal with such a big occasion (people tend to underestimate this aspect); and because I expect them to do better after finding their feet I'd rather face Canada in the opener. Travel/distances and weather won't have much of an impact but the World Cup being held in winter/mid-season (for most players) with only days to prepare for it is quite the departure from previous editions. Football conditions will be pretty much ideal with (near) perfect pitches; it's a fair weather destination for big clubs after all. Facing teams that thrive in these conditions would have helped Canada to adequately prepare but I guess opportunities to do so are limited.

Can anyone here sell me on Canada? Of course I'm mainly interested in our game but would also like to know what you expect to see from Canada in the World Cup. Do you feel the lack of prep time and the World Cup being held in winter will impact Canada's chances (has been one of the biggest talking points over here; well at least when not talking about certain other issues)?

Did you ever watch Ugbo last season with Cercle Brugge when he was tied for 6th in scoring with 16 goals?  At Genk, I know Ugbo was back up striker for Paul Onuacho (who has 49 goals and counting in the pst two seasons).  But I’m surprised you don’t know much about him after he was one of Belgium’s top scorers in the 2020-21 season.

[NotCanadian]

13 hours ago, IT20062021 said:

You’re a Croatian football fan in Canada or in Croatia ? 
I’m asking because it would be interesting to see how Croatians view the Canadian team? Aside from all the politically correct comments from coaches and federations.

The coach was very cautious, basically saying the same things Martinez said. The media highlighted some players like David and Davies and wrote articles about them. Milan Borjan gave an interview where he talked about the Canadian NT, his upbringing and the ex-yu  leagues.

The football fans I talk to generally think Morocco is the most important game in the group for us. If we win that we can rest some players against Canada. It is tournament football after all and anything can happen so it's best to be prepared for every scenario.

Oh, and I'm Croatian living in Zagreb, Croatia. As my nickname suggests, I am not Canadian.

Edited April 19, 2022 by NotCanadian

[Daniel]

2 hours ago, Blondo said:

Xan anyone here sell me on Canada? Of course I'm mainly interested in our game but would also like to know what you expect to see from Canada in the World Cup. Do you feel the lack of prep time and the World Cup being held in winter will impact Canada's chances (has been one of the biggest talking points over here; well at least when not talking about certain other issues)?

Our players will be a mix of mid-season Euros and end-of-season MLS, which could affect fitness.

Basically expect this team to be extremely well prepared, which has been our coach's trademark over the past few years. Many of us predict similar XI lineups, but I wouldn't be surprised if Herdman tries to surprise Belgium with an unexpected tactical move (overloading a flank, getting one player to shadow KDB, have the entire stadium show up in Belgium colours so they can't see each other 😅, etc.). 

The players won't be intimidated and will want to get a goal and make the most of this opener - I don't see them sitting back and playing for 0-0. Lots of offensive punch and early-goal potential from our offensive 4 of Larin, David, Buchanan and Davies. Central midfielders will look at pulling strings, but may be lacking a destroyer depending on lineup, wingbacks will fly up the sides and get in your players' face. 

They'll also look to play short as much as possible, but don't leave any gaps behind your defense because the players won't hesitate to hit a quick counter to their speedsters.

[Gian-Luca]

2 hours ago, Blondo said:

Can anyone here sell me on Canada? Of course I'm mainly interested in our game but would also like to know what you expect to see from Canada in the World Cup. Do you feel the lack of prep time and the World Cup being held in winter will impact Canada's chances (has been one of the biggest talking points over here; well at least when not talking about certain other issues)?

I don't think November will be too much of an issue, the North American-based players will have decent enough rest between the end of their season and the World Cup, but at the same time not too much rest so that they are completely rusty by not having played a meaningful match in 3 months (which was pretty much the case for our end-of-January World Cup Qualifying  window). MLS is strange in the sense that not all teams finish at the same time because of the playoff system, so some may have more rest (or time to prep for the WC) than others. The Euro-based players will be in the same boat as the Euro-based players for every other team.

The biggest prep issue for Canada IMO is quality of preparation, rather than quantity. The core of the team have played about 25 games together over the past year so they have good chemistry, and no doubt we'll get another 7 or so games in before November. The problem for us is that we haven't played any teams out of region in so long I can't even remember, and the last time we did many players who are key cogs to the team (Davies, David, Buchanan, Laryea, Eustaquio, Johnston) weren't even with the team at the time so for all intents of purposes this particular Canadian squad has never played a European-based team, let alone one of the better ones. And to that end, our team has not had to face any teams with a #10 of the calibre of Modric or De Bruyne. Neither the US or Mexico have anyone that really compares in terms of quality or positionally with the style they play, and neither do any of the other teams in this region (those that arguably do have a #10 aren't anywhere close to World Class calibre). So that could be difficult to adjust to, without proper preparation against similar calibre teams who also have an outstanding creative/attacking midfielder.

As for what I expect to see from Canada - I expect us to be underdogs in every game but to challenge and pose problems in every game against the teams they face, and I expect them to have a decent enough chance to make it out of the group. The team plays better than what it might suggest on paper (in terms of where the players play at their clubs), largely due to the chemistry between the players (in part off the field) with our coach who is a master motivator. I am sure there will be some nerves for the opening game but I expect they may get over them in a hurry. There also isn't a lot of pressure on them domestically (no real sense of "if they don't get out of the group, the whole cycle will be considered a failure"). The media here are also pretty gentle when it comes to that sort of thing - it is a much larger & caring media than it was before, but they still aren't anywhere near as critical, demanding or scrutinizing as most other countries when it comes to this sport.

[Free kick]

10 hours ago, Free kick said:

Three delta factors for me to watch out for:

1) Yes, the experience factor is one thing that could be our undoing.   Sides who show up at the world cup for the first time or after a long absence rarely make waves at the WC the first time.    When its been 36 years, there is nothing you can carry over from that experience into 2022.

2) The play at the world cup is much more defensive and the teams are much more defensively sound and tactically more refined.   This is the main problem, In my opinion, with CONCACAF.    We scored a lot against CONCACAF opposition, but a lot of our goals could just as easily be chalked to poor defensive play or structure on the part of our opposition.  That's not going to happen in the group we are in in Qatar.  Plus there is Thibault Courtois.

3) We don't really have a true set piece specialist.   I know that Eustaquio takes our set pieces but (despite his invaluable quality in other areas)  I don't find his direct free kicks at all threatening.  I don't think we have anybody on our MNT who is counted on to take free kicks at their own club.   Just about every other team in Qatar will have a number 10 and that's usually the guy who is the set piece specialist.   I Don't expect easy cheap goals like the ones in Edmonton against Mexico.   If the scoring chances dry up (as expected) in Qatar due to better opposition, scoring off of set pieces is going be more and more important.  

Since I put my delta's,  it would be unfair not to put the positive

1)  This team can score goals from several sources off of the run of play.   Wing play is the strongest point and could be a revelation in Qatar.   TB and Phonzie can beat opponents one on one and can do it regularly.  Plus they have a lot off pace and this could force opposing HB's to lay back or else get punished if there is a turnover.  Their pace and dibbling abilities stymies opposing HB's from pushing forward to create/support scoring chances.   Forwards possess multiple scoring threats and finishing abilities.  Can count on more than one fwd for goals

2) Def mid's are strong.  They take pressure off of the back line and made the back line look good.   Good ball winners great at breaking up opposing attacks.   Only allowed 7 goals in 14 game of WCQ despite the fact that (on the back line) there are a mix of very raw rookies and some veterans who are not playing at the strong clubs professionally.  

3) Well motivated side with strong cohesion .   No signs of infighting,  ego's, selfishness..etc.    The coach is a good man manager.   The media here for soccer is not like hockey media so there is not greatest amount of pressure on the squad.   They can be relaxed

Edited April 19, 2022 by Free kick

[hodgkiss]

I love that other nations underrate us. The talk track about Belgium being experienced is on point but... I want to see these old Belgian players run in the heat of Qatar... When a pacey team like Canada (that is full of youth) starts running at Belgium, they are going to collapse. They will not be able to sustain keeping up with Canada in the heat. And the same goes for Croatia as well. These are great teams that we are talking about but they are OLD!

Major upset in the group. I see Morocco potentially taking points from Belgium and Croatia too.

 

[El Diego]

5 hours ago, Blondo said:

I did already notice that you seem to change tactics and personnel quite often. You only get to bring 23 players (or 26 if FIFA allows it) but your manager has called up 3x as many and I hear he wants to blood in even more before the World Cup starts. That's insane.

I would say this is partially true. Herdman changes shape match to match (and often within the match), and he has called up many players, but you have to remember that he has been in charge for over four years now. Canada is not like established European nations -- we have weird camps where only domestic/youth players go, we play first round qualifying matches against teams like the Cayman Islands, and sometimes we cannot call up our best players for our continental tournament (Gold Cup).

The truth is that by the end of qualifying, the roster was very much set. The key players were the key players -- guys like Liam Millar for example didn't play much if at all despite being in great form, likely because Herdman valued familiarity. Sure guys like Kone were called up, but that was when we were essentially qualified and had some injuries in the position. The 23 man squad is imo already selected barring one or two non-impactful choices (though others may disagree).

If I had to sell you on Canada, I would say that their best players (except for Eustaquio, who I adore) are dangerous attackers who flourish in transition -- Davies, David, Larin, Buchanan. That's why I believe they have some semblance of a chance against better teams who will likely play high lines against Canada. That being said, I would be extremely surprised if we get out of the group. The good news for me? I have been extremely surprised this entire qualifying

[Obinna]

5 hours ago, Blondo said:

Can anyone here sell me on Canada? Of course I'm mainly interested in our game but would also like to know what you expect to see from Canada in the World Cup. Do you feel the lack of prep time and the World Cup being held in winter will impact Canada's chances (has been one of the biggest talking points over here; well at least when not talking about certain other issues)?

I expect a Canadian team that will go out and play with no fear. The other 3 teams in the group (especially Belgium) are very talented, so who knows where the chips will fall. Canada could finish at the bottom, or they could get out of the group. The same is true for Morocco, I believe. I am confident Canada will score their first WC goal.

As for the opening game specifically, I think if Canada can hold Belgium for the first 10 or 15 minutes, any nerves that Canada may have will settle. Even if they concede early I believe they'll have the mental fortitude to fight back and make Belgium work for the victory. Their belief and team spirit (as you've probably heard) is arguably the biggest strength of the team. 

The caveat is that Canada hasn't played any teams outside of CONCACAF, so it will remain to be seen what they can do against teams from UEFA or CAF. The friendlies between now and the WC will give Canada the opportunity to experience an elite side. Argentina (should that match happen in June) will be the first test of this kind. 

5 hours ago, Blondo said:

The others, besides Davies of course, we don't know. Have to admit I've seen too little of Canada to properly assess your team (I'll have taken a closer look by November).

Here are some others you may want to keep your eye on:

Stephen Eustaquio - 25 year old defensive midfielder, currently at Porto on loan. He's a relatively athletic and agile defensive shield who is not afraid to get stuck into tackles. His best attribute is breaking lines with his passing from deep positions. He's scored a few goals for Canada, but overall is not much of a goal threat. His shooting is good to average, though he often takes set pieces for Canada. In CONCACAF he's widely regarded as one of the best midfielders (made the best XI for the qualification cycle) but I question whether he'll be able to maintain his composure and poise against the likes of Belgium and Croatia. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Eustáquio 

https://www.transfermarkt.com/stephen-eustaquio/profil/spieler/512913

 

Jonathan Osorio - 29 year old central midfielder, playing for Toronto FC in MLS, where he often plays alongside Alejandro Pozuelo, the former Genk captain who you may be familiar with. Because Osorio has never played in Europe he's likely one of the players Belgian fans likely don't know anything about, so I decided to highlight him. He's basically a connector and tempo setter for Canada whenever he's on the field. He's very smart with his movements off the ball and has the ability to get into pockets where he can then do some damage, like this away goal against Mexico:

https://www.transfermarkt.com/jonathan-osorio/profil/spieler/260807

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Osorio