Canada 0 – 1 Martinique
Just when you thought Canada had moved on from October 2012, they found a way to reopen old wounds and further dig themselves into a hole of embarrassment in a 1-0 loss to Martinique in the opening game of the 2013 Gold Cup. Canada at no point took their intensity to a level required to win an international game and as expected, Martinique seized the opportunity presented to them and took all three points. The loss all but eliminates Canada from the tournament as there is little chance a result against Mexico or Panama can be achieved with the lack of motivation seen on this day.
Even though Marcus Haber had a good chance on goal in the opening 10 minutes, climbing up on a corner kick to force Martinique keeper Kevin Olimpa to make a nice save, Canada looked tentative and without confidence from the early going. In the lead up to the game, David Edgar made note of there being a lack of vocal leadership and this was confirmed as the only real general on the field was a recovering Will Johnson whose void was not filled after his half-time substitution.
To further underscore the difference between these two teams and why one was able to leave with all the spoils, one needs to only look at the performance of Kevin Parsemain. Despite having none of the pedigree of most Canadians, Parsemain carried himself with confidence, brashness and emotion. Watching not just his body language, but facial expressions through the game, one was left wondering who on Canada is playing with the same desire?
That is what this result comes down to, and many over the last few years, a lack of team harmony and overall desire. Canada’s willingness to demonstrate commitment can rightfully be questioned after the performances seen at the end of last year, and Sunday night, as given the quality of the players there should be no excuse for some of these scorelines.
Colin Miller will have a mountain to climb if Canada are to leave this Gold Cup in an even further hole than they’ve dug themselves into after one game, against arguably the weakest team in the group. The revelation after this game is that Canada is that team and will have much better opposition with Mexico and Panama waiting for them.
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:
Milan Borjan – 6
A shaky start to the game for Borjan who bounced back well in the second half to put in a good game, despite the last second goal. Was not confident in the air in the first half and almost paid for it on two occasions, and his much lauded distribution was not on point. Came out in the second half and made several big saves right off the whistle on shots that should have ended Canada’s game much earlier. Was one of only a small handful that looked like they were willing to put in the required effort and can’t be faulted for the winner as ten players in red stood and watched Martinique fire the ball into the goal.
Your rating:
Marcel De Jong – 4
There are certainly a few players who will be looked at for performances that fell far below the needed level of commitment and De Jong is one of them. To put it bluntly, on more than one occasion, especially in the second half, his attempts at defending 1v1 were pathetic and puzzling for a player who has looked more than capable at competing in the Bundesliga. With only one other option at left back, will give Miller a real challenge to figure out what to do because right now this is one of the weak spots for Canada.
Your rating:
David Edgar – 4.5
A disappointing outing from Edgar who had emerged in 2011 as a real asset in defence as someone who is more than capable of pulling his weight on the backline. Against Martinique, like several players, his willingness and commitment appeared a step off and he was not dominant in the air when defending and looked a bit hesitant when tackling. Had a great chance to open the scoring, and prior sent some good long balls, but overall not a great day for the long-serving Canadian who should have shown more leadership and confidence considering his background as a captain at the U20 level and while at Newcastle.
Your rating:
Doneil Henry – 4.5
It was a TFC-esque performance for Henry who demonstrated he has many of the physical attributes coming together, but is lacking the experience to truly have a complete game. His battles with Parsemain were something to watch, as they went back and forth with Henry showing pace and willingness to dive in on the tackle, but was duly turned inside out in the second half and fortunately was not made to pay from it with a ball in the back of the net.
Your rating:
Nik Ledgerwood – 4.5
It wasn’t a poor game on the level of some of his teammates, but Ledgerwood had opportunities to have a hand in game changing moments and just could not deliver. His cross over Jackson in the second half should have been better as it was a certain goal. While he didn’t appear as disinterested as a few others, still was taken to task defending as seen early in the second half as Borjan bailed him out.
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Julian De Guzman – 4.5
A game like this, and subsequent rating, comes down to knowing what De Guzman should be able to bring to the field and what he actually does. His post game quotes, while accurate, do not free him from any responsibility on the performance and result. It may come across as overly critical, but someone of De Guzman’s background should be a highly influential component of the midfield and truthfully he offered very little on the day other than distributing the ball short-to-medium range. Even if that is only what he is capable of at this juncture of his career, bringing a degree of leadership and accountability to his teammates during the game is required and that was not seen in this loss.
Your rating:
Samuel Piette – 4.5
While it might go down as a learning experience for Piette, it was a rough game that had few bright moments for the young midfielder. His willingness to attempt creative passes is admirable, but was unable to generate anything significant. On the defensive side, looked a step off and was beaten several times and left in the wake of the Martinique player. Showed his inexperience, as seen against Costa Rica, with poor challenges in the 18-yard box as he was not positioned well more than once.
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Will Johnson/Simeon Jackson– 5/5.5
Won’t be harsh with Johnson as his attitude, commitment and determination cannot be questioned, and that is supported by his willingness to suit up despite being ill heading into the game. It appeared to have effected him as he looked a bit slow footed, had a couple poor passes and did not look like his usual relentless self.
Jackson subbed in for Johnson at the half and the difference in his pedigree and experience was noticeable on several plays. Did really well down the left side and was solid working 1v1. Unfortunate he was hauled down by Arnolin as he had created a great chance for himself that we can only speculate what might have come from it.
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Russell Teibert – 6
Teibert continues his emergence as the next important Canadian through a strong performance out on the wing where he was excellent in the first half and carried that into a good second half. It is somewhat disappointing that the only player who really looked like he was putting in a good enough display to push towards a result is a 20-year old with four senior caps to his name. However, Teibert perhaps gives hope that there are other youngsters willing to push themselves to want more for the National Team. On this day his battles with Zaire were encouraging and delivery of crosses and set pieces was good for the most part as he’s become perhaps one of the few players to watch now in the Gold Cup.
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Tosaint Ricketts – 5
Rickett’s effort cannot be questioned as he certainly was trying to make thing happen in the first half with some good runs down the right side and attempts to link up with Haber. However, it is a bit of the same song with Ricketts who offers amazing pace but on the ball is not consistent with his delivery and does not have the ability to create his own chances. Unfortunately that doesn’t leave much else he can deliver and Miller would be wise to consider Jackson up top against Mexico.
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Marcus Haber – 5.5
Certainly had his chances through the day to put one in the back of the net, but it’s the same story for Canada as clinical finishing is always out of reach. His header near the 10th minute was well taken and was unlucky that the referee was so casual with fouls as he was holding up the ball well. His strike on goal at the 63rd required a good save from Olimpa and while nothing was put in goal, Haber did well in his role on the day.
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