The Canada MNT had two big tests coming up.
The first of those was against 25th-ranked Australia, who are one spot ahead of Canada. The Canadians were without key defender Moise Bombito, who suffered a tibia injury while playing for OGC Nice last weekend. However, that meant others had to step up.
The game was being held at Stade Saputo in Montreal, the home of CF Montreal (Formerly Montreal Impact). Several Canada MNT players have played for them: Nathan Saliba, Joel Waterman, Mathieu Choinière, Ismael Koné, and Maxime Crépeau.
Australia was a team not to be taken lightly. They finished second in their group of the Asian World Cup qualifiers behind Japan. The Socceroos have also played in the last five FIFA World Cups.
Both Canada and Australia were looking to gain momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup, and both have won their last two games. The Australians won their last six straight and haven’t lost in 11 heading into this game. It was Canada MNT and their counter-pressing game, and the Socceroos with their physicality and counter-attack.
First Half: Canada MNT pushing, but Australia makes it tough
Both teams were relying on their counterattack early.
For Australia, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe lead the way down their flanks. However, Derek Cornelius made some key blocks, and Crépeau was still alert.
For Canada, Tajon Buchanan was proving to be an early problem for the Socceroos as he was doing a good job running in behind the defenders. However, he couldn’t get a good shot or final pass off.
Both teams were also cautious, especially defensively. Nathan Saliba tried to make some noise by trying to score bangers. That was because Australia’s 5-4-1 low block was tougher to break down than an island base in Clash of Clans.
Canada MNT were knocking at the door. Buchanan and Koné in particular had the Socceroos back line on the ropes. But even when there was space behind Australia’s defence, Canada looked timid and unorganized in the final third. Cyle Larin looked slow, and his touch failed him multiple times in the first half.
Still, it looked like Canada was in the driver’s seat, but had trouble getting the car up to speed.
Second half: No finish, defending falls off
There was an early scare for the Canada MNT.
Poor defending from Cornelius saw him get turned around by Irankunda. Canada’s defence parted the Red Sea here, and Mohamed Toure was in alone. Fortunately for Canada, the Watford striker couldn’t control the ball, and Crépeau grabbed it. Crisis averted.
Australia began capitalizing on turnovers, launching fast counter-attacks. Despite creating opportunities, they repeatedly missed the target, but Canada’s defense was often caught out and offered too much space.
Larin was taken off for Promise David at the hour back. Soon after, Canada started to wake up. Their passing was crisp, and they looked quicker on counter-attack. However, the final third was still a problem. The best chance was Tajon Buchanan’s cross to Promise David. But the Union SG striker’s shot went off the Australian defenders and right to the goalkeeper, Paul Izzo.
Then, disaster struck.
The ball was crossed in by Toure, who beat Waterman to the ball. Niko Sigur had it with his back turned, and Irankunda took the ball away and beat Crépeau. It was a horrible goal to concede, and Sigur was way too casual. The Burnaby, BC native has done well for Canada since he committed last year, but his inexperience showed here.
Canada looked like a team out of ideas after that. Australia’s low block was as formidable as ever. They couldn’t break it down or get any good shots on Izzo.
In the 89th minute, Millar crossed perfectly to Shaffelburg, who shot on target. Izzo reacted quickly and managed to block the attempt. While Izzo’s save was outstanding, Shaffelburg had a clear opportunity to score.
Canada was desperate to tie the game, but it was too little and too late. This Tani Oluwaseyi chance somehow did not go in.
In the end, it was a disappointing and frustrating result for the Canada MNT in Montreal.
Stat of the match
Australia’s goal was their only shot on target. Ouch.
Tweet of the match
Maybe they should give Larin a shawarma before each match. But in all seriousness, he needs to be better and hasn’t been for over a year. This window and the next are his last chances to prove he still belongs with the Canada MNT. If not, Larin will be watching from home next summer.
Wrap-up
Marsch has improved Canada since taking over, but when things go wrong, frustration mounts, as seen on Friday.
Canada lacks a plan B, C, D, and so on. That needs to be worked on before the World Cup.
Teams that play the low block, like Australia, will definitely face Canada at the World Cup. Breaking them down is another area of improvement. Against Australia, their attack looked too timid.
It was a frustrating one, but the Canada MNT is off to New Jersey. On Tuesday, they will face 13th-ranked Colombia. Kickoff for that game is at 4:30 pm Pacific. That’s another big test.
