Canada 0 – 0 United States
Canada regrouped after a poor performance against Denmark on Saturday afternoon to put in a valiant display that saw them remain level with the United States in a high tempo 0-0 draw. Against the Danes, it was a rough afternoon on defensive end, but facing another potent attacking side, led by Dejan Jakovic, Canada soaked up the pressure for ninety-plus minutes and never broke.
Interim Head Coach Colin Miller had his work cut out for him heading into this match after what can only be described as a vacant performance days earlier. Known for hard work and commitment being paramount to his coaching style, the outing against Denmark was anything but and the team would need to make a near 180 in order to make amends.
Lars Hirschfeld would not be starting between the posts on this night, as he picked up a knock in the previous game and was released back to his club in Norway. At the start of the match, to put Canada's inexperience in perspective, it was noted that only two players in the roster were on hand for the debacle in Honduras that ended their World Cup Qualifying hopes.
The opening forty-five
Without question anyone watching would have seen that Miller had done his work preparing the team for this game as Canada came out looking distinctly more composed and committed to winning battles. The opening minutes saw Canada get the first legitimate chance on goal as in the 5th minute off a throw in, Canada swung a cross to the far side of the 18-yard box on to a wide Dwayne De Rosario who managed to awkwardly strike the ball across his body onto the American keeper Sean Johnson.
Colin Miller
Canada would hold their own in the early going despite the United States beginning to gain the advantage in possession, especially deeper into the Canadian end. With a handful of good striking options, the U.S. could not find that final ball as Eddie Johnson and Chris Wondolowski could not connect cleanly on goal. In the 18th minute, Wondolowski had his best chance early on where a give and go put him just at the top of the 18-yard box with plenty of room. Perhaps releasing the shot a bit too soon, his low drive was stopped by the outstretched Simon Thomas.
Surprisingly, the first half ended with Canada very much looking like they could stand toe to toe with their opponents. The United States looked the more threatening side, but Canada's defence were playing the part with Dejan Jakovic and Nana Attakora looking very comfortable as a tandem dealing with whatever came their way.
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Dear, #USMNT v #canMNT. I would like the past two hours back. Sincerely, everybody
- @D6MERIT |
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The second half
Could Canada hold on for another forty-five minutes would have been the question asked by many, and some even audacious enough to wonder if perhaps they could sneak a goal themselves off a free kick or quick counter? They would have their work cut out for them as the U.S. would do their best to try and crack the defence, and all the work put in the first half began to show in their legs early on in the second half.
Perhaps the best chance of the game came in the 54th minute where off a turnover the United States finally opened up on a counter and sent in a wave of attackers into all channels heading towards the Canadian goal. A low cross into the top of the area was picked out nicely to Eddie Johnson who simply had to be clinical, however Matt Stinson came in to disrupt his chance and the effort went well above the net.
Tosaint Ricketts
The United States would dominate possession and chances for nearly twenty minutes and Canada had to soak up wave after wave of attacking pressure. A 67th minute free kick saw U.S. defender Omar Gonzalez barely head the ball wide of goal. After that the U.S. would continue to have their way trying, but failing, to unlock the Canadian defence and create the final ball to get the lead.
Into the final stretch of the game, Canada appeared to get a second wind, while the U.S. appeared to be running out of steam. From the 77th minute when Tosaint Ricketts won Canada's first corner of the match, they enjoyed a ten minute spell that saw Kyle Bekker distribute the ball across the United States' end trying to find that final pass. While nothing dangerous was created, it gave an important period of reprieve for the defence as four minutes of extra time ran down with one last chance for the U.S. off a free kick right at the end, but the shot was blocked and ensuing header went out for touch.
The final word: A redeeming performance for many
In a match where realistically most were expecting another sound defeat, it was an encouraging display that demonstrated Canada has a good group of young players who are willing to take direction and follow through on a gameplan. Following up on a game Saturday where one was hard pressed to find one or two players who stood out in a positive manner, tonight it was flipped around as only a few players struggled to make an impact.
Nana Attakora
What was most encouraging was that several players raised their games and put in noteworthy performances. After a horrific defensive display Saturday, Dejan Jakovic and Nana Attakora were solid, with Jakovic leaving it all on the pitch. Miller could have taken an approach of keeping his best group out on the pitch, but it showed true character that he gave all his subs a chance to get on the field, especially Doneil Henry who repaid his coach's faith with a much improved display.
Nik Ledgerwood
Moving forward, while there were few threatening chances on goal, it was tidy in the midfield with Kyle Bekker having more influence on this game and Dwayne De Rosario getting the ball on his feet with more frequency. Even Tosaint Ricketts, while not getting many chances in the attack, was committed defensively the entire match.
With the next friendly coming up in March against Japan and rumours of another date that month getting filled, a performance like this is encouraging that Canada can hold their own against countries much further up the FIFA rankings. There is still plenty of room to improve, with lack of offense remaining a concern, but through these games it was important to get minutes for the youngsters and after this result Canada should feel positive about the month of January.
Canada Line-up
22 Simon Thomas
2 Nik Ledgerwood
4 Nana Attakora
5 Dejan Jakovic
3 Ashtone Morgan
8 Kyle Bekker
7 Terry Dunfield
12 Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault
11 Russel Teibert
14 Dwayne De Rosario
9 Tosaint Ricketts
Substitutions: (51) Stinson for Dunfield; (63) Henry for Attakora; (81) Jonke for De Rosario; (89) James for Teibert; (90) Porter for Bekker.
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