HOW CANADA IS SOARING IN CONCACAF

With four games left to play on the road to Qatar, Canada is top of the mountain. Yes, you read that right. Canada is top of the standings and undefeated. They have been on a steady rise since appointing English manager John Herdman. John Herdman has his team on their way to their first World Cup since 1986. So how is he doing it?

THE PLAYERS

Herdman has the most talented Canadian roster ever at his disposal. His squad boasts young players with European experience in Buchanan (Club Brugge), Larin (Besiktas), and Eustaquio (Porto). Add to that two of CONCACAF’s brightest stars in Jonathan David (Lille) and Alphonso Davies (Bayern) and you have a solid foundation.

THE FORMATION

Canada has alternated between the 4-2-3-1, the 3-4-3, and the 3-5-2. All three have been used throughout his tenure to great success. Herdman has also taken an innovative approach in his formation selection. He bases his formations on the strengths of his roster. Weird, I know! Especially, considering that his counterparts, Tata, and Berhalter seem to have never heard of this. 

THE TACTICS

Canada’s tactics throughout the qualifiers have been simple, yet effective. Herdman’s squad plays defensive counter-attacking soccer. His team sets up with two solid and extremely disciplined lines on defense. They move as one leaving very few gaps and frustrating their opponents. Once the ball is recovered, Canada transitions from defense to offense usually in one pass, and unleashes its cheetahs to wreak havoc down the wings and crossing to a trailer in the area.

Simple right? Extremely, but also highly effective. Canada has found a formula that works in CONCACAF and is executing it to perfection. They aren’t only the top team in the standings, they are also the top scoring team (17), the best defensive team (5), and have the best goal differential (+17). 

Canada is a few results away from shocking everybody and being the first squad from the region to seal its ticket to Qatar. At this point, it seems Mexico and the USA are playing for second best. But don’t take my word for it, tell them Max….

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