(Doha) John Herdman has obviously added fuel to the fire ahead of Canada’s game against Croatia on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Minutes after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Belgium — a game Canada (No. 41) dominated but were unable to score — Herdman repeated the message he gave to his players on field.
“I told them that they are in their place, and that we are going to roll up our sleeves and f****** Croatia, he said, smiling, during the official interview with post-game on the field. It’s that simple. »
A defeat against Croatia, 12e in the world, would eliminate Canada from the tournament.
Asked about Herdman’s comments, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said everyone has their own way of communicating.
“I’m not sure it’s right to say that, but it’s his right,” he added through an interpreter. I believe we will have to show on the pitch that we are the best. »
On Thursday, a Croatian reporter asked Herdman about his comments.
“Did you really say after yesterday’s game that you were going f****** Croatia? And if that’s the case, isn’t that taking lightly… Croatia, which was a finalist in the last World Cup? he asked.
Herdman, far from wanting to retract, chose instead to rephrase his message.
“That’s a good question,” he replied. Yeah, I said that. We say things when we’re in the heat of the moment, hoping to inspire your caucus team. And when you’re asked what you said during caucus, yeah, that’s what I said.
“I was not speaking directly to the Croatian people or their national team. I know very well where they are on the world stage. But at that time, I wanted to galvanize them. You galvanized them — we’re not afraid of anything, and we’re going to give it our all in this game.
“I didn’t mean to disrespect the Croatian people and their national team, but at the end of the day that’s the approach we have to have in Canada if we want to get the three points against one of the best teams in the world. . And that’s how we approached the match against Belgium. We do not have the choice. It’s part of ‘New Canada’,” referring to the nickname he gave his team.
Then, on the subject of the Croatian team, Herdman mentioned that his midfield group is “one of the best in the world”, adding that he will have the privilege of facing Luka Modric – “one of best midfielders of his generation,” he said.
“And these (Canadian) men have the opportunity to compete against him, which excites us,” Herdman concluded.