Canada is going to Qatar with nothing to lose, drawn against two European heavyweights and a distinctly stubborn African side that recently got the better of Chile and tied with Paraguay.
It’s going to be an uphill battle for Les Rouges, but there’s hope that the superstars dotted around the starting XI will be enough to pull off a surprise result or two, perhaps even to break out of the stacked Group F.
Prior to the official squad announcement from John Herdman, this is a look at Canada’s team and the players who should prove to be the difference makers at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Canada World Cup 2022 Goalkeepers
There’s only one name that comes to mind when thinking of Canadian goaltenders: Milan Borjan. The 34-year-old veteran remains Herdman’s first-choice netminder and continues to perform for Red Star Belgrade in the top tier of Serbian football.
At the time of writing, Borjan had amassed ten clean sheets in 21 games, with six of those missed opportunities for a clean sheet coming in European football, where Red Star were the underdogs in most matches.
Borjan’s performances will be a big part of his nation’s hopes of beating the odds and defeating Belgium or Croatia in the opening matches, for which Canada’s at +900 and +325, respectively.
That said, if Borjan isn’t fit, maybe Maxime Crépeau will be called to man the posts.
Milan Borjan with the armband 💪🍁#CANMNT #ForCanada #WCQ pic.twitter.com/iXlpuylJ4E
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 27, 2022
Canada World Cup 2022 Defenders
The staple of Canada’s defence and undisputed star player is Alphonso Davies.
For Bayern Munich, the Ghanaian-born full-back holds the starting left-back role, but for Canada, he’s recently seen action on the left wing, left midfield, attacking midfield, and up top.
An incredibly versatile athlete, Herdman can deploy Davies wherever he thinks his star player can capitalize on a weakness in the opposition’s line-up.
He had suffered from the after-effects of Covid-19 this year – missing some national games as a result – but appears to be fully fit and on form again now.
Players who are much more rooted in the national team’s backline are Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, Sam Adekugbe, Doneil Henry, and the towering Steven Vitória.
Canada World Cup 2022 Midfielders
While Jonathan Osorio is Herdman’s joint-most used player since taking the helm with 36 appearances – tied with Jonathan David – much of Canada’s transition play and possession game will flow through Stephen Eustáquio.
The Ontario-born defensive midfielder made a huge move from FC Paços de Ferreira to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs, FC Porto this year.
In September, he was finally given a start for the club and has remained their go-to central midfielder ever since.
Another key component to Canada’s midfield should be the legendary Atiba Hutchinson, if he’s fit and ready in time. You can also expect call-ups for Tajon Buchanan, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Samuel Piette.
Canada World Cup 2022 Attackers
Second only to Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David is Canada’s other superstar and is still only 22-years-old.
Playing almost exclusively as the LOSC Lille’s striker this season, the Canadian scored nine goals and two assists by his 11th appearance of 2022/23.
Alongside David – who has scored 22 goals and teed up 13 more under Herdman – will likely be Cyle Larin. Unfortunately for the Brampton speedster, he hasn’t been able to break into his new club’s starting XI yet.
Despite scoring in his sole start for Club Brugge KV, Larin continues to be deployed as a late substitute and hasn’t been given any minutes in the side’s superb three wins and one draw showing in the Champions League so far.
Still, Larin will almost certainly get a call-up and will probably get a starting number for Canada, with Junior Hoilett, Lucas Cavallini, and Iké Ugbo also set to be part of the attacking corps.
🧊🥶 Ready for the heat in Qatar pic.twitter.com/94oKDVYNMx
— Jonathan David (@itsJoDavid) July 20, 2022
Canada World Cup 2022 Odds
In the World Cup odds, the Canada men’s national team is certainly considered to be an underdog in all regards. Easily the team’s best chance of getting a win will be against Morocco in the final group game.
With Belgium and Croatia to contend with, Canada is out at +1000 to win Group F, but two go through to the next stage. So, Les Rouges gets odds of +900 to reach the quarter-finals.
To achieve the ultimate upset at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Canada is sitting out at +20000 to win it all, which is the same as has been given to Morocco.
Canada isn’t being given much of a chance of escaping Group F at the World Cup. However, even a single goal would mean that Herdman’s squad has out-performed the last and only other Canadian outfit to go to the prestigious tournament.
*Credit for all images in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 20th October 2022
