World Cup | How to impress colleagues at the coffee machine

Not a soccer fan, but interested in Canada’s World Cup journey? Hear colleagues talking about the national team around the coffee machine and want to join the conversation? The Press is here to serve you. Here is some interesting information to slip into a discussion to be in the know!

Alphonso Davies: what a story!

“It’s crazy the same, Alphonso Davies was born in a Liberian refugee camp in Ghana. And there he is at the World Cup! »

Alphonso Davies’ story is one of the most inspiring in Canadian sport. And if Canada is in Qatar in 2022, it’s a bit much thanks to Phonzie.

It is the biggest star of the selection. His jewel, his talisman. He plays as a left-back with Bayern Munich, racing down this corridor at full speed for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. And he already won the Champions League two years ago when he was only 20!

Alphonso Davies immigrated to Canada in 2005, at age 5. The family eventually ends up in Edmonton. At the age of 15, young Alphonso moved alone to Vancouver to join the Whitecaps academy. At 16, he became the youngest player in history after Freddy Adu to play a game in MLS. He quickly made his mark there: two years later, in 2018, he joined Bayern Munich for a circuit record transfer at that time.

Davies obtained his Canadian citizenship in 2017. He made his first appearance for the senior team a few days later.

For Atiba

“I am so happy for Atiba. The guy went through five rounds of qualifying for the World Cup before getting there! »

At 39 years and 9 months, captain Atiba Hutchinson will be the oldest player present at this World Cup. A major feat for anyone who thought about retiring in particular in 2015, after several disappointments with Canada.

Hutchinson made his Maple Leaf debut in 2003. He has since played 97 games and attempted to lead Canada to World Cup qualification in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, all without much success.

The leader of the Canadian team is him. Unequivocal. The Brampton midfielder is also the only player who was born when the Reds first and last participated in this tournament, in 1986.

John Herdman, the savior

“We wouldn’t be here without John Herdman! »

Until 2018, the Canadian men’s soccer team was going nowhere. Enter John Herdman, who has been with the women’s team since 2011. Her move from the women’s team to the men’s team was controversial, yes, but there’s no doubt today that it was salutary for the men.

Herdman’s arrival at the helm of the men’s selection completely changed his trajectory. This methodical and prepared coach had a vision: if we want to do well in 2026 when the FIFA circus will land in North America, we must taste it for the first time in 2022.

Its ambition and its unifying character have enabled Canada to make the most of the finest generation of talent that the country has produced.

Milan Borjan and his sweatpants

“I wonder if Borjan will still wear his sweatpants, even in the Qatar heat…”

It was one of the quirks of Canada’s qualifying course: Milan Borjan and his sweatpants. The Canadian goaltender wore his gray sweatpants with style and pride during games in the Canadian winter. In Edmonton against Mexico. In Hamilton against the United States. In Toronto against Jamaica.

A Twitter account (Milan Borjan’s Sweatpants) has even been created to highlight this. The account of the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame has also indicated that the garment would be found there.

We doubt to see them again in Qatar, that said. Even for evening matches, it will be around 30°C in Doha.

Who will score Canada’s first goal?

“How much would you bet on Cyle Larin for Canada’s first ever World Cup goal? »

The only Canadian presence at the major FIFA tournament was in 1986. Three games, three losses, zero goals.

Who will succeed in writing history for Canada this time around? A few names are to be preferred if you want to make a bet. Cyle Larin is the best scorer in the history of the men’s selection. Tajon Buchanan is a sharp right winger. Alphonso Davies has a very attacking role. Jonathan David multiplies the goals in the French Ligue 1. Even midfielder Stephen Eustáquio has found his scoring touch with FC Porto this season.

Canada has great options ahead. Will he find a way to bring out the big game against Belgium, Croatia or Morocco?