(Toronto) There will be the players on the field. But there will also be all those supporters, in the stands and across the country. This match of Canada against Jamaica in qualifying for the World Cup, it carries a historic and emotional charge that goes far beyond the final result.
Posted at 8:00 a.m.
The Canadian soccer team will once again try to confirm their qualification for Qatar this Sunday at BMO Field in Toronto. They had suffered their first defeat in 12 games in the CONCACAF Octagon on Thursday in Costa Rica.
“We’re going to win, that’s all, assured midfielder Stephen Eustáquio on Saturday evening near the field. If we win, we guarantee our first place, and that’s what we’re looking for. »
Training had just ended on the lawn of Toronto FC. Drake’s music had been playing through the loudspeakers in the enclosure, at least during the warm-up period open to the media. The weather was cold and gloomy, made worse by a miserable drizzle. The lawn mowers ran behind our interlocutors and made it difficult to understand what they were saying.
John Herdman complained about the temperature with a smile as he appeared before the large contingent of journalists who came to meet his team. But he quickly moved on, the same way he hopes his men will answer for their first defeat.
” [Vendredi et samedi], we had to recognize the lessons of what happened in Costa Rica, commented the coach. In my opinion, it was a performance to be proud of. But we put it behind us. There are things you can remember, like bravery, the courage to continue playing our style of football. »
Against Jamaica, it will be a completely different beast. […] We have to put our foot forward from the kick-off. The conditions here will help us impose our physical game.
John Herdman
Jamaica are already knocked out of qualifying, with just one win in 12 games. But she has nothing more to lose.
“We know it’s a fairly direct team, analyzed forward Jonathan David. Many players are very athletic, fast, strong. We know that we have to put them under pressure directly, and after that, the whole thing is to find the spaces to play and try to create opportunities. »
Canada only needs a small point to confirm its ticket to Qatar.
“It’s a very important game, and for sure finishing the job we started a long time ago at home can be very special,” added David.
Same story with Alistair Johnston.
“The idea of qualifying at home has always been on the guys’ minds,” said the CF Montreal defender. There’s no better place to have our qualifying party than here. »
“The whole country is going to play [ce dimanche], meanwhile launched Stephen Eustáquio, who is not afraid to speak his mind. We only think about that. There is no next game against Panama. In our minds, this is our last opportunity. »
“I would invite all those guys to my wedding!” »
PHOTO TIJANA MARTIN, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Team Canada players training on Saturday at BMO Field
The defeat in Costa Rica not only left its mark on the standings. It also highlighted behaviors that we wish we had seen gone a long time ago.
Mark-Anthony Kaye, who was sent off after two yellow cards in the first half on Thursday, was the target of racist attacks on social media after the game. Canada Soccer condemned the remarks on Friday, and members of the Canadian squad came to the defense of their midfield.
John Herdman, as it happens, became emotional when asked about the subject.
“It was disappointing, and it shows we haven’t gotten rid of it yet,” said the English coach, just before his eyes misted up. It must stop. We need to stick together at times like this. We are not going to tolerate that in sport, or anywhere else. I ask you: if you hear such things in the stands, stop them. Don’t stay silent.
“Our guys supported Mark. There is a deep love for him on the part of our team, as well as on the part of 99% of Canadians. We want to feel that love tomorrow. »
Alistair Johnston agreed.
“It was a tough day for us as a group. It dampened our mood. […] He had a tough night since the red card, and he admitted responsibility at half-time. He wanted to apologize, because he’s that kind of guy. Seeing such comments about him or anyone else is appalling. I hope this will be the last time. »
Obviously, this team holds together.
In interview with The Press last week, Alistair Johnston spoke of “fraternity”, “solidarity” and “comradeship”. Bonds that are evident as soon as the players find themselves on a football field.
And that we feel when we ask them about the subject.
To be honest, I would invite all these guys to my wedding! This is to tell you how much I love them and how much we love each other.
Stephen Eustáquio, midfielder
The weather had cooled again, the drizzle had become more intense. The lawnmowers were only in the center circle.
Alistair Johnston, who played the -16°C short sleeve match against Costa Rica in Edmonton, was asked if he would repeat the chilling experience this Sunday.
“We don’t even ask ourselves the question, do we? he exclaimed, all smiles. I hope the Jamaicans will have their long sleeves, because I believe they will need them! »