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Canada 0–0 Mauritania
With Canada’s players learning a new system and a new style of play under new head coach Benito Floro, nobody should expect the team to suddenly start winning and scoring bunches of goals right out of the gate.
Floro went with many younger faces as he fielded a lineup that was heavy on MLS talent as this was the only game they were available for before returning to their respective clubs. At this stage of the game, the team is still in learning mode and it’s going to be a long process before we’ll see the final issue.
Fortunately, as Canada has a long time before World Cup qualifiers, they have an abundance of time to prepare.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Lars Hirschfeld – 6
Hirschfeld put in one of his most convincing games in a Canadian jersey in a long time. For a long time it’s looked like his time may have gone for Canada but he was sharp all game long. He plucked a few tricky crosses out of the air in a congested penalty area and was vocal as he marshaled his teammates from start to finish.
Ashtone Morgan – 6
Morgan’s another one who looked sharp. After a lot of struggles for club and country lately, the #nastyleftback looked like he had returned, bombing down the left side and providing an extra offensive option.
Doneil Henry – 5
Some tricky moments in possession where he was almost exposed, Henry looked like he was focusing on passing it out of the back. With Floro clearly wanting his team playing the ball on the ground, I don’t think Henry tried to hoof the ball out once the entire game.
Dejan Jakovic – 5
Jakovic looked composed at the back without having to do anything too flashy. Provided good cover for his teammates and wasn’t really tested much.
Stefan Cebara – 4.5
Cebara looked the most troubled when Mauritania was pressing a high line early. He undoubtedly learned a lot in how to cope with the pressure but he definitely was grinding all game.
Johnthan Osorio – 6.5
Had the best scoring chance of the game in the first half. Worked well with Morgan and Russell Teibert in the first half to create the few offensive opportunities.
Kyle Bekker – 3.5
Playing as a more defensive central midfielder, Bekker had a very tough evening. Could play the simple balls well but then looked at other times like he thought he was wearing the number 10 shirt. On those times, he tried the cutting pass or the ball over the top that usually resulted in a loss of possession. A frustrating season at TFC looks to have sapped his confidence.
Atiba Hutchinson – 5
Was more involved in the second half as his skill on the ball is always a pleasure to watch. Drew cheers from his teammates who didn’t dress for the game after holding off a Mauritanian player then pulling off a tricky spin move to get around another.
Russell Teibert – 5.5
Like most of those involved, Teibert took some time to get into the game but was tricky and put in a good night’s effort. Definitely could be earning a more regular spot in the team.
Dwayne De Rosario – 5
Was one of the more vocal Canadians when it came to the back-and-forth banter between players on the field but didn’t have many opportunities as most of the game was kept in the midfield Was offside on a number of occasions, some of which were incorrect calls.
Kyle Porter – 5
Some good movement with the ball at times, Porter got himself involved well in a number of occasions pressing forward. Like everyone else, couldn’t create chances and his one half-chance was blocked.
Substitutes:
Daniel Haber – 5
Samuel Piette – 5
Terry Dunfield – 5
Keven Aleman – 5
Jackson Farmer – 5
Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare -- 5
Benito Floro post-match for Canada
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