Berhalter was full of praise for the Canadian team at a press conference on the eve of the highly anticipated clash between the two neighboring teams in Hamilton, Ont.
We want them to win all their matches… except tomorrow’s!
, he told reporters.
Canada have a date with their natural rival as they sit atop the standings in the final qualifying phase of the football d'Amérique du Nord, d'Amérique centrale et des Caraïbes" class="text">CONCACAF for the next World Cup. The Maple Leaf has a point lead over the United States and if the history between these teams gives advantage to the Americans, Berhalter wants to be more cautious.
They have a group of talented young players, he said. In 2019, I thought we didn’t give enough credit to this team. They are well trained, they know how to play and they have a good game philosophy.
Canada has yet to lose on its way to the World Cup. A victory at the Tim Hortons Field would not only allow him to widen the gap in the standings with the Americans, but also to confirm that his rise to power on the continent is not the result of chance or luck.
Our team’s mindset has changed when it comes to how we view the United States
, underlined the coach of the Canadian team, John Herdman, on Saturday. There is real excitement when you think about facing them. We have the impression of attending a real ”derby”.
John Herdman reckons the fans will still be loud for Canada in Hamilton.
Photo: The Canadian Press/Jason Franson
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Herdman’s enthusiasm and confidence in the press conference were palpable, but he still wanted to be modest in his assessment of the state of forces.
Our country, it took us a long time to get there. I still think USA are a few years ahead in how they have built their talent bank and deepened their squads with established players in Europe in all positions. But hey, Canada is coming!
« What an opportunity! It’s a qualifying match for the World Cup. A huge game. We will play against our biggest rival, the United States. »
Against the Americans, John Herdman will not be able to count on his best player, Alphonso Davies, who is absent from this window of FIFA matches due to myocarditis which he developed after contracting COVID-19.
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Midfielder Samuel Piette could also miss the clash against the United States. Injured in an ankle against Honduras on Thursday, he will undergo tests on Sunday, his coach said.
The Canadian formation should however find Stephen Eustaquío, Saturday evening or Sunday morning, according to Herdman. He hadn’t played Thursday because he had recently contracted COVID.
Weah out for USA
American forward Timothy Weah will not face Canada on Sunday.
Photo : Associated Press / Sergei Grits
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American Timothy Weah, Jonathan David’s teammate in Lille, said earlier this week that he was very much looking forward to the confrontation with his good friend and the Canadian team in Hamilton, but he will not be able to be in the end. Weah did not make the trip north of the Canada-US border due to his vaccination status.
The 21-year-old striker is considered fully vaccinated in France, where he plays professionally, because he received a dose of the vaccine and has already contracted COVID-19. However, in Canada, natural immunity is not considered in vaccination status. With just one dose, he cannot enter the country.
We learned this a few days ago. This was a technical detail that we hoped would be fixed, but unfortunately it was not.
, said Gregg Berhalter.
Weah played in USA’s last game, against El Salvador, but was not guaranteed a start against Canada. Forward Brenden Aaronson is expected to take his place in Berhalter’s starting lineup.
On the American side, defender Brooks Lennon also left the selection, injured in the left ankle. He found his club in Soccer " class="text">MLS, Atlanta United.
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