VANCOUVER, B.C. - A crowd of 50,000 plus is expected at BC Place on Good Friday to watch Canada vs Mexico. Fewer than 5,000 tickets remain as a lot is at stake for both countries. Canada will want to show that they can compete, pickup a result, and offer Mexico a challenging match. Mexico will be looking to take a massive step in claiming a firm perch at the top of Group A.
The actual outcome for these next two matches appears to provide different motivational factors at play for Canada and Mexico. While Canada wants to earn a result at BC Place, and inch one step closer to "The Hex". The same can be said for Mexico. El Tri are also looking at a much bigger picture with the Copa América Centenario taking place in the United States in June.
Mexico Coach Juan Carlos Osorio knows that planning for the Copa América Centenario can take place sooner if things go Mexico's way against Canada.
"I think it's very important for us and it's as big as it is for Canada," said Osorio. "If we can get two good results then we can concentrate on Copa America. Therefore, we're going to put all of our efforts to try to match their intensity. We anticipate full capacity at the arena, therefore they will have a lot of support. I think it's going to be a great game and we want to be part of it. We want to have a great game and hopefully get the result that we want."
During an open training session at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on Tuesday, Mexico focused on crosses from on-rushing full-backs and connecting in the air. Mexico doesn't need many chances to convert and find a goal. What could hurt Mexico, is beating themselves. If Osorio's players can ease into the game and get comfortable quickly, that could cause trouble for Canada. Without giving away all his secrets and tactics, the Santa Rosa de Cabal, Colombia offered some of his teams strengths.
"Well as always, try to defend well, try to keep the ball to have good possession, therefore we don't have to defend for too long and create enough opportunities to try to score goals. There are so many other factors that will be crucial to the match. Set plays, and the emotional part of the game. Hopefully the players can control that and get us the possibility to get the result."
If fans are thinking Mexico is going to come into BC Place and be overwhelmed by 50,000 plus screaming and excited Canada Soccer fans, that isn't the case. Mexico has big game players like Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, Andrés Guardado, Rafael Márquez, Héctor Moreno, Miguel Layún, Héctor Herrera, and Marco Fabián. They've played in World Cups, Champions League, Europa League, Gold Cup, and League Cup matches. The visitors have the edge in overall big match experience and won't be bothered if any "Dos a Cero" chants break out. Coach Osorio has full confidence in his players mental preparation.
"I think that our players, most of them have played in that type of environment," revealed Osorio. "We have nine players that play in Europe right now. I think that they are accustomed to that type of hostile environment. I think we have played in other places, very difficult. San Pedro Sula (Honduras) as an example and we have good results. I don't think they will be intimidated by that."
As for what to expect from the opposition, can we expected Coach Floro to go with a park the bus strategy? Surely, this would not be a popular tactic at home in front of what could be a record-breaking crowd at BC Place.
Red Nation Online asked Coach Osorio if he is expecting a bus to be fully parked by Team Canada on Friday.
"(Laughs) I don't know, you have to ask their coach."
The 54 year-old former New York Red Bulls gaffer may not have any knowledge of what Canada's specific match tactics will be, but he is counting on a tried and true showing from Canada's strongest players. If Coach Floro can throw a wrinkle into Canada's game plan vs Mexico, Coach Osorio may have to adapt Mexico's strategy on the fly. He's already done his homework on Canada.
"They play 4-1-4-1 as they have done in the past," said Osorio. (Atiba) "Hutchinson is playing for Beşiktaş and does a great job as a central midfielder. He's quite strong, athletic, good in the air, and a good distributor of the ball.(Julian) de Guzman and (Will) Johnson, both of them are very good with inside football. As far as the forwards, (Junior) Holiett, (Tosaint)Ricketts, (Tesho) Akindele, (Cyle) Larin, very good, quick, pacey, and very capable of winning 1v1 situations. (Milan) Borjan is a very good goalkeeper. The full-backs (Karl) Ouimette, and (Marcel) De Jong with MLS experience, so in general terms. I think a very athletic team and very difficult to defeat. I think it will be a very good game for both teams."
Mexico will not train at BC Place until Thursday evening. In the meantime, El Tri will be preparing for Canada with closed training sessions at Swangard Stadium. The grass surface at Swangard Stadium has caught the eye of many as Friday's match will be played on artificial turf at BC Place. Coach Osorio quickly put to bed any turf problems when asked by Red Nation Online.
"First of all we heard that the artificial field is quite in good condition. We're just trying to play and train on grass because it's a surface that the players feel more comfortable with. However, we will have a training session tomorrow to get to know the stadium. I think at the end of the day it will be a surface for both teams and we don't make any excuses on it."
Canada isn't the only team treating this match with a high level of importance. Mexico is doing the same with just a little different spin on things. Getting a result will be valuable for both teams, but for Canada it's a must. Mexico would obviously like to win, however they won't be hitting any panic buttons if Canada should play the game of their lives.
|