Canada puts their head down and gets on with the second friendly scheduled this week, facing cross-border adversaries the United States. After being soundly beaten 4-0 Saturday afternoon against and equally youthful, but more experienced Denmark side, Canada looks to regroup and focus on a better performance against a legitimate rival.
It was a tough match to watch on Saturday as Denmark were able to have their way in and around Canada's goal in the first half to establish a comfortable 3-0 lead within forty-five minutes. The scoreline though is not what is important, but looking forward to see what can be learned from the loss. Canada consists of a youthful group who could be senior team players for the short and long term, but it all depends on how they bounce back on Tuesday night.
Colin Miller
While Canada should be more energized against a team they play more regularity than Denmark, so should the United States be motivated against Canada. With a predominantly MLS composition to their roster, it is still a formidable group lead by the likes of Omar Gonzalez, Kyle Beckerman and Chris Wondolowski. However, in the last year Canada has been able to stand toe to toe with them both at the senior and U20 level. This bodes well as an intangible and while a victory might not be the priority, an improved display is and should be achievable for Canada.
Keep thinking
After Canada's loss to Denmark, interim Head Coach Colin Miller had some pointed words with regards to how these games should be looked at. Perspective was key when describing what should be taken from the two friendlies, and knowing that this is more about long term building rather than expecting any kind of immediate results.
Against Denmark, Canada had fleeting moments that showed with more experience and discipline the core of that group could develop into capable international players. Defensively it was a difficult test as the youthful exuberance of Doneil Henry and Nana Attakora was exposed by a more patient and clinical Denmark. The midfield might have been the only area that showed consistency through the ninety minutes as Terry Dunfield and Kyle Bekker were tidy for the most part and kept possession in Canada's favour.
Doneil Henry
Nana Attakora
As is always a struggle, the offence was unable to create that final chance on goal and with a decent late sub appearance, Miller might want to look to Kyle Porter from the start and get more width on the right side than Ricketts offered. Russell Teibert as well will need to be more disciplined wide left to maintain balance in the midfield and allow the likes of Dwayne De Rosario or Dunfield more room to occupy the middle of the park.
While Colin Miller was quick to point out the quality of Denmark, realistically it won't get any easier against the United States. Even with this being a majority MLS side, what has been a precedent over the last few years is the top MLS players have been more than capable of holding their own in the Danish Super League. Michael Parkhurst is a player who comes to mind, while the likes of Patrice Bernier and Jimmy Nielsen, who were solid league players in Denmark, come to MLS as integral pieces of their respective clubs.
Andres Fresenga
It will be a match where Canada will need to tighten up defensively, but it also presents a opportunity of redemption for the likes of Henry and Attakora. The United States will have some similar attackers to Denmark in Will Bruin, who comes in just under the height of Adreas Cornelius. Eddie Johnson and Chris Wondolowski will certainly provide a mobile target and solid finishing, while both Graham Zusi and Brad Davis will be dangerous from set pieces.
If there is any weakness Canada should look at it is between the posts as none of the United States three goalies have established themselves as top shelf keepers. It will be tough to crack a sound group of defenders, but Canada has nothing to lose and this game is a chance to take some risks.
Dejan Jakovic
That could come through player selection as Colin Miller might want to consider giving a few of the late subs a chance to start, notably Mason Trafford at left back, Philippe Davies in the midfield and Kyle Porter up top. Trafford could offer a bit more experience in defence, while Davies brings more size into the midfield and Porter has experience playing out wide and his pace could prove an asset to try and win corners.
In the End
Miller has the right approach in knowing these games are about building and getting the young players a chance to show their stuff. A bit more discipline in the defensive end could go a long way and with a group of American players who should be much more familiar to Canada than Denmark, there should be no excuse as to who needs to be watched the closest. A victory might not be in the cards, but it is a good opportunity for these players to step on the pitch with real motivation and take a legitimate step away from their last two games and deliver something to be positive about going into the rest of 2013.
Prediction
United States 3 – 1 Canada
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