It wasn’t easy or pretty but Canada will take it. The Canadian Men’s National Team managed to grind out a 1-0 win over Suriname in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals.
This was a typical CONCACAF game. Canada had to play at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion on a day when it was about 33 Degrees Celsius in Paramaribo. You can imagine how muggy it was.
The pitch was…let’s say it was subpar. However, that might be putting it lightly.
The Canadians were without their star player Alphonso Davies. He was not available this international window due to precautionary reasons due to fatigue.
It wasn’t a pretty game for Canada. Let’s face it, CONCACAF games usually aren’t. But a win is a win.
The final Third play and Set pieces are still a concern.
The Canadians controlled the game in the first half. The press was doing its job, and the build-up play looked promising.
However, there was a lack of finish. The closest Canada came to opening the scoring was from Tani Oluwaseyi. He did a good job of running in behind the Suriname defenders. He took Ali Ahmed’s pass perfectly and beat Etienne Vaessen…but not the two goalposts. The ball was too good for its home.
Canada’s set pieces are still a concern. The corner kicks were not getting on target and couldn’t beat the first man. The free kicks were also underwhelming.
Canada was doing a lot of things right in the first half. Ahmed’s pace and passes were on point, Jacob Shaffelburg’s pressing and speed were a big factor and Jonathan David was constantly poaching in the box. However, the play in the box was lacking as the passes, touches and shots were as effective as Magikarp and its Splash move.
Junior Hoilett to the rescue
In the second half, Canada started to look gassed. The high line was starting to get caught and the press looked weaker. It felt like watching Vito Corleone have a heart attack while playing with his grandson in The Godfather. The Canadians looked slow and the build-up was lacking the spark.
It was nearly a disaster for Canada. Suriname started to turn things on just like how it seemed to get hotter in Paramaribo.
The Canadians needed a hero. Jesse Marsch then decided to put on Tajon Buchanan and Junior Hoilett for Shaffelburg and Ahmed in the 78th minute. Buchanan has not played for Canada since fracturing his tibia during the Copa America and Hoilett was playing his first cap since the 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in June. That was Marsch’s first game in charge.
Once they came on, they gave new life to the Canadian attack. It was only a matter of time before Canada scored.
Everything about this goal was aesthetically pleasing. The pass from Stephen Eustaquio to David and the off-the-bar finish by Hoilett.
The pass from David to Hoilett needs to be seen multiple times because it was that good. The 34-year-old got his 17th goal for Canada and his first since October 13, 2024. That was in a 4-1 friendly loss to Japan. As the kids say these days, Unc’s still got it.
While Hoilett may be older, it was good to see him score. He was a key piece of Canada’s men’s team in the dark years and it is cool to see him be able to make appearances for them. Hoilett’s creativity was the needed spark for Canada’s attack.
It is also worth mentioning David keeps improving, especially since the Copa America. He has been on great form with Lille and he is doing the same with Canada. David didn’t score but his hold-up play and passing were excellent. That goes to show he can work as a nine and a 10.
The backline does the job
A lot of the play was in Suriname’s half. But that doesn’t mean the defenders don’t deserve some plaudits.
Suriname only managed two shots and none were on target. They had trouble passing and Canada was doing a good job of forcing turnovers with their press. As a result, Suriname had only a 69% passing accuracy rate. (Which is still nice.)
Alistair Johnston was everywhere and did a good job with his tackles and preventing Suriname counters. The same could be said about Moise Bombito as he was only dribbled past once in the entire game. With Derek Cornelius out, CF Montreal’s Joel Waterman had to step in and he quietly did the job.
In the second half in particular, there were some scares but the backline was as sturdy as the wooden desk I’m writing this article on. Dayne St. Clair had an easy night but was there when needed but he can thank his backline.
Up next
Like the new Linkin Park album, it was a good performance from Canada but it could’ve been better. Hopefully, Leg Two will see the Canadians put on a performance as enjoyable as the new Poppy album. Canada will look to put Suriname away at Toronto’s BMO Field on Tuesday. Kickoff is at 4:30 pm Pacific.
*Stats Courtesy of FotMob.
