The last time I saw Canada
Reflections on the Canadian Men's National Team, ahead of a big test in Las Vegas tonight
The last time I saw the Canadian Men’s National Team before this week in Vegas, John Herdman had just publicly threatened to “fuck Croatia”. It was Canada’s last gasp. Herdman’s last chance to keep his team in the World Cup past the group. As ever, Herdman made a valiant, motivational attempt to rally his group.
Alas, that crescent-shaped Balkan nation has a way toppling enemies. They’re also rather good at football. The opposite happened instead.
At face value, J. Herdman’s remark was a grandiose one, an unwise one…. ill thought out. Herdman’s threat was mercilessly roasted in Croatian newspapers; Herdman naked on the cover, depicted a fool.
The remark rallied the locker room of a proud country. Croatia worked Canada to a pulp, beating them 4-1.
Now, never mind the locker room motivation handed to Croatia, the shot-from-the-hip remark, or the unfortunate event it preceded, I stand by what Herdman said.
I’m a fan of the vim. I appreciate the vigor that led Canada to its first World Cup since 1986.
Truth is, I’m a fan of this Canadian team. And John Herdman is a Concacaf treasure. It bears repeating for the people in the back.
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