Canada got quite a good draw if you ask me.
Canada vs. Belgium
Belgium are obviously the biggest threat in this group. They’re the first proper top 5 FIFA ranked team we’ll have played in ages and this will be the acid test of how good our squad really is (or isn’t?). I’m actually really excited to see how well or we perform against Belgium, considering we’re on the upswing of our Golden Generation and they’re on the tail end of theirs. Belgium have seriously under-performed at tournaments considering the wealth of talent they have. Part of me wonders if they’re suffering from the same thing the English did in the late 1990s and 2000s where the pitch wasn’t big enough to contain the egos. Belgium win this one - but just - 2-1.
Canada vs. Croatia
Croatia are aging, but they tend to perform well in major tournaments. I like our chances against them, but not sure if we’ll win. I’m guessing a draw in the range of 1-1 - maybe 2-2. I see Croatia really struggling with our pace on counter-attacks seeing as we’ve probably got some of the fastest attacking players in the entire world. There’s also another added layer of intensity because several players who play on the same club sides like Beşiktaş (Cyle Larin, Atiba Hutchenson provided he stays fit at 39, Domagoj Vida) and Lille (Jonathan David, Ivo Grbić) will be playing against each other. Canada’s #1 keeper, Milan Borjan was born and partially raised in Serbia and plays there too, so there will be a big push for him to perform well against Croatia. In addition, my next door neighbours emigrated from Croatia in the 1980s, so it will be fun ribbing them a bit if Canada win.
Canada vs. Morocco
I think Morocco have it tough with this one. This is our ‘bye’ game and is where we need to to make up things on goal differential. We have to absolutely pump Morocco and I think we will. The Atlas Lions have been pretty solid in the lead up to their qualification, but I see our style of play dominating theirs. 3-1 Canada.
If we get out of this group, it will be on goal differential and probably come down to the wire. I like our chances against Croatia and Morocco, but I’m not sure we’re quite good enough to beat Croatia outright yet. Belgium are my biggest concern and we’re going to have to every player defend, defend, defend and catch them out on quick counter attacks - of which we’re very capable with our pacy wingers and strikers.
I can’t fucking wait for this!
