How Canada can earn its first men's World Cup point(s) against Morocco
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Morocco has looked impressive in Group F but Canada has an opportunity to finish its World Cup experience on a high.
Canada plays its final match of the men's 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday and it comes against a Morocco side that has thoroughly impressed thus far.
After defeating Belgium and drawing against Croatia, a point is now enough for the Atlas Lions to secure a place in the Round of 16. A win, though, would put the African side top of the group and thereby avoid Group E’s expected winner Spain.
In short, Canada is going up against a very good team that has plenty to play for. Here are the keys to pulling off an upset and earning the country’s first point(s) at a men’s World Cup:
It can both be true that Canada was thoroughly outplayed by Croatia’s midfield and that the team could have been better set up to mitigate the threats of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic.
With Atiba Hutchinson struggling to keep up and Stephen Eustaquio suffering a hamstring injury, the real estate in that area of the pitch came at a severely discounted price to Croatia and should have been addressed sooner.
Hutchinson even admitted after the match that Canada uncharacteristically lost its shape and so a response is needed.
Tactical nous has been a hallmark of Herdman’s career and in the opening match against Belgium. This match presents an opportunity to show the Croatia match was an anomaly.
