FIFA World Cup: Canada can field ‘strongest team’ after injury worries ease, Herdman says

Having not been in the FIFA World Cup since 1986, Canada's players have never experienced the pressure of such moments and that, says John Herdman, could be a positive.

Back in the World Cup for just the second time and the first time in 36 years, underdog Canada will head into their opener against second-ranked Belgium 100 per cent fit and with nothing to lose, coach John Herdman said on Tuesday.

Canada had been hit with a number of injury concerns in the run-up to Wednesday’s match at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, including questions of whether Alphonso Davies had recovered from a hamstring strain that had taken the dynamic Bayern Munich left back out of action in early November.

Davies, who will play on the wing for Canada, only joined his team mates on Friday after staying back in Germany for treatment.

Herdman had said Davies would be assessed when he arrived in Doha and on Tuesday pronounced the 22-year-old good to go.

“When you speak to a player you have to look into their eyes and get a sense of what they want and how far they are willing to push,” Herdman said at his pre-match press conference.

“You’ve got ask the question, if not the first game what’s the risk, what’s the second game risk but at the end of the day Phonzie is fit now.

“He’s ready to go, he’s flying in training yesterday, enjoying himself.

“Canada is in the position now where we can field our strongest team. Everyone has came through well.