This was a big game for the Canada MNT. Though, that is an understatement.
It was a big game in Los Angeles, the city of Starsuckers. But it ended up being a big disappointment. Was this the worst performance Canada had under Jesse Marsch? That’s an easy yes.
This game was always going to be tough as Mexico are still a good side despite declining in recent years. But Canada struggled in many areas of the pitch and they suffocated under Mexico’s game plan.
Thus, Canada’s dream of winning the CONCACAF Nations League comes to an end. Sometimes, you try your best and you don’t succeed.
First half: Down early in a physical game
It was not a good start, simple as that. As quick as The Flash, Mexico were on the board. After some poor attempts to breakout near their own box, Fulham’s Raul Jiminez found a pocket of space between Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, and Ismael Kone and buried it past Dayne St. Clair.
Thankfully, the Canada MNT didn’t look too phased. There was some nice passing between Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Ali Ahmed, but it wasn’t enough.
There definetly should’ve been a penalty here as Cornelius was taken down in the box. But for some reason, it was called a foul on Cornelius and not Edson Álvarez. What is even more baffling was that VAR didn’t see any contact. This was another case of getting CONCACAF’ed. Even Matt Murdock would probably see that this was a clear penalty.
The build up for Canada started getting sloppy as the passes weren’t as clean and going all over the place. The midfield and backline were also looking quite sleepy as Mexico’s long balls easily got by them. Stephen Eustaquio and Kone weren’t dictating the play in the midfield and also lacked the defensive composure.
Canada didn’t look threatening enough in the final third and it could’ve been worse with how dangerous Mexico looked on the transitions. (Alvarez did score but was clearly offside) Canada MNT clearly looked rattled by the non-penalty call and cards and fouls were flying all over the place. Alistair Johnston in particular was lucky to not get two yellows. Canada tried to match Mexico’s aggressiveness but they were playing with fire.
Luckily there was another 45 minutes to go.
Second half: Can’t generate anything
A goal had to come right? Around the 60th minute, Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon was way out of his net. It was like he decided to go for a stroll but Alvarez cleared Cornelius’ header.
Speaking of Cornelius, he was down twice early in the second half and had a huge bump on his forehead that looked like a goose egg. He didn’t hear no bell.
Canada started to control the game more. But again, they couldn’t get Malagon to make a save. It didn’t help Mexico were really locking down the Canadians in the box.
Canada MNT has had trouble with set pieces for awhile. Davies’ free kicks were very poor as well as Ahmed’s corners. It’s mind boggling that they don’t have a set piece specialist. A set piece sunk Canada as Jimenez blasted this free kick by St. Clair. It was a golazo and a dagger to the hearts of Canadian soccer fans.
Canada’s attack looked dreadful and timid. David and Larin were non-existent in the attack and they couldn’t penetrate Mexico’s defence. Canada MNT’s best players weren’t at their best. The wingers also weren’t good enough with their service and the midfield was underwhelming.
Mexico got under their skin and in their heads and threw them off their game. It wasn’t a bad performance and Mexico deserves credit for the way they played. It was just disappointing.
While Canada is a good team, this game shows they still got a ways to go before the 2026 World Cup. Marsch has improved the team but they still haven’t gotten a statement win in CONCACAF yet.
Stat of the match
Canada only managed one shot on target. One. They had ten total attempts.
The only shot on target was a Davies free kick in the first half that went straight to the hands of Malagon. That’s not good enough.
Tweet of the match
Marsch held this sign up to signal a certain corner kick tactic that was worked on in training. It is ironic that it is an X because the objective to win the Nations League….gets an X.
Up next
Welp, Canada will play the US after all. But instead of competing for a trophy, they’ll be competing for third place. It’s something. That game kicks off is at 3:00 pm Pacific.
